Louisville, Kentucky – With homes across Jefferson County glowing for the holidays, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is warning Kentuckians that festive lights and décor can quickly turn hazardous if safety precautions are ignored.
“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 fire safety report. The group shares annual tips to help families stay safe during the holidays.
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 begin when a heat source is too close to the tree.
Candle fires are also a seasonal concern, with half of all decoration fires caused by items placed too close to heat sources and incidents peaking in December and January.
NFPA recommends several safety measures to reduce risk:
- Keep trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Water live trees daily to keep them from drying out.
- Inspect light cords and unplug them before bed.
- Use flameless candles or keep real flames supervised.
NFPA adds that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, underscoring the importance of staying attentive in the kitchen during holiday gatherings.
Residents can find more fire prevention resources and free safety guides at nfpa.org/education, or check with their local Kentucky fire department for community safety programs this month.
