Los Angeles, California – As homes across Southern California shine with holiday lights, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding residents that the season’s sparkle comes with real fire risks if safety steps aren’t followed.
“Festive celebrations, flickering lights, and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one,” the NFPA said in its 2025 seasonal safety bulletin. The organization’s nationwide campaign aims to help families stay safe as they decorate, cook, and celebrate.
According to NFPA data, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires every year, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents cause three civilian deaths, 29 injuries, and about $18 million in property losses annually. Nearly half of Christmas tree fires are electrical, while a quarter start when a heat source is too close to the tree.
Candle fires also spike during December and January, with half of all decoration fires caused by items placed too close to heat sources.
NFPA recommends these key steps to reduce fire risk:
- Keep trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Water live trees daily and discard them once dry.
- Check cords for damage and unplug lights overnight.
- Use flameless candles or keep real ones supervised.
The NFPA also notes that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen safety another major concern this time of year.
Californians can find printable safety checklists, videos, and prevention resources at nfpa.org/education, or contact their local fire department for holiday fire safety programs.
