Tavares, FL – As holiday decorating ramps up across Lake County this week, emergency officials are urging residents to take extra precautions to prevent winter house fires, which historically rise in December.
According to Lake County Emergency Management, simple safety steps—like checking light strands, inspecting cords, and placing Christmas trees away from heat sources—can significantly reduce the risk of a fire starting inside the home. Officials note that more than one in every five Christmas tree fires nationwide begin because a heat source was placed too close to the tree.
Safety experts also stress that residents should read manufacturer instructions for how many strands of lights can be connected safely. Overloaded wiring remains one of the most common causes of holiday electrical fires, especially in older homes with limited outlets.
County officials recommend keeping live and artificial trees at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and other heat-producing appliances. They also advise homeowners to avoid leaving candles unattended and to ensure all lights are turned off when leaving the house or going to bed.
The U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association continue to report elevated fire risk during the winter months, driven by increased indoor decorating, heating equipment, and holiday gatherings.
Lake County Emergency Management says residents can stay safer this season by taking a few minutes to inspect decorations, update smoke alarms, and remove damaged wires before plugging in any holiday displays.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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