Los Angeles, CA – As residents across Los Angeles begin unboxing holiday decorations this weekend, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is reminding the public to carefully inspect their lights and electrical décor to prevent seasonal fires.
According to the LAFD, holiday lights should be checked each year before they are displayed on trees, roofs or indoor fixtures. Fire officials warn that strands with frayed, pinched, or damaged wires can spark and ignite surrounding materials, creating a serious fire hazard inside homes and apartments. The department advises residents to discard any light sets showing visible wear.
Fire crews note that holiday-related electrical fires typically increase between late November and early January, especially during the first major decorating weekend. With many families pulling boxes of lights from storage, the department says this is the critical time to slow down, examine each strand, and replace aging lights with safer LED versions when possible.
According to federal fire-safety data from the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical issues remain one of the leading causes of holiday-season home fires nationwide. LAFD officials emphasize that basic precautions—such as avoiding overloaded outlets, unplugging lights before bedtime, and using only UL-listed products—can significantly reduce risk.
The LAFD closed its advisory by wishing residents a safe and festive holiday season while encouraging the community to remain alert as decorating ramps up across Los Angeles County and the greater Southern California region. “Be prepared. Be informed. Be safe,” the department said.
Residents can find additional safety guidance at the U.S. Fire Administration website: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/.
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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