Des Moines, IA – As Iowans spend more time indoors this holiday season, officials are warning that home fires — not storms or flooding — are currently the state’s most frequent disaster response.
According to the American Red Cross Serving Iowa, home fire responses increase by nearly 20% nationwide during the holidays, driven by more cooking, heating, and electrical use. In Iowa alone, Red Cross crews have already responded to about 600 home fires in 2025, affecting more than 2,000 residents.
Josh Murray, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross in Iowa, says fires are breaking out somewhere in the state almost every day, sometimes twice daily, with winter posing the highest risk.
“So far in 2025, we’ve responded to just about 600 home fires,” Murray said. “That’s impacting more than 2,000 people. Our volunteers help with temporary accommodations, blankets, snacks, and immediate support as families figure out their next steps.”
Murray says colder weather leads to increased use of space heaters, fireplaces, ovens, and holiday lighting, all of which can raise fire risk if not used properly.
The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department (HSEEM) is urging residents to take basic precautions, including keeping Christmas trees watered, unplugging holiday lights before bed or leaving home, avoiding overloaded outlets, and keeping decorations at least three feet away from heaters and fireplaces. Officials also stress never leaving candles unattended.
In an effort to prevent fires, the Red Cross has installed more than 1,600 free smoke alarms across Iowa this year and checked batteries in hundreds more homes.
“People are often surprised to learn their alarms don’t work,” Murray said. “Working smoke alarms save lives.”
Residents interested in smoke alarm assistance, donating, or volunteering can visit redcross.org.
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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