Raleigh, North Carolina – As holiday lights and decorations brighten homes across the Tar Heel State, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging residents to take extra precautions to avoid fires this season.
“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 safety advisory. The group shares annual resources to help families prevent home fires tied to holiday décor and cooking.
According to NFPA data, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires each year, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents cause three civilian deaths, 29 injuries, and $18 million in property damage annually. Nearly half of Christmas tree fires are electrical, and one in four begin when a heat source is placed too close to the tree.
NFPA also reports that candle fires peak in December and January, with half of all decoration fires caused by items too close to heat.
To reduce risks this holiday season, NFPA recommends:
- Keep trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Water live trees daily to prevent them from drying out.
- Replace frayed cords and unplug lights before bed.
- Use flameless candles or never leave real ones unattended.
NFPA adds that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen safety as vital as decoration safety this time of year.
Residents can find printable safety guides, videos, and tip sheets at nfpa.org/education or contact their local North Carolina fire department for holiday prevention programs.
