Portland, Maine – As the holiday season lights up across southern Maine, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding residents that festive décor can bring real fire dangers if not handled carefully.
“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 a 2025 advisory. The organization provides safety resources each year to help families reduce holiday fire hazards.
According to NFPA research, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires annually, excluding Christmas trees. Those incidents cause three deaths, 29 injuries, and $18 million in property losses each year. Nearly half of all Christmas tree fires are electrical, while a quarter are caused by heat sources placed too close to the tree.
Candle fires also spike during December and January, with half of all decoration fires starting because items were too close to a heat source.
To reduce risk this season, NFPA recommends:
- Keeping trees at least three feet from heat sources.
- Watering live trees daily to prevent drying.
- Replacing damaged cords and unplugging lights before bed.
- Using flameless candles or keeping open flames supervised.
NFPA adds that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen safety equally important during the holidays.
More fire safety information and printable tip sheets are available at nfpa.org/education.
