Wilmington, Delaware – Holiday lights and candles are bringing seasonal cheer across the First State, but the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding residents that those same decorations can spark serious fires if 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 stated in its 2025 holiday safety release. The organization works each year to raise awareness about preventable home fires during the holidays.
According to NFPA data, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires annually, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents cause three civilian deaths, 29 injuries, and $18 million in property losses each year. Nearly half of all Christmas tree fires are electrical, and one in four begin when a heat source is placed too close to the tree.
Candle fires also rise sharply during the holidays, with half of decoration fires caused by items too close to heat sources, peaking in December and January.
To reduce fire risks this season, NFPA recommends:
- Keeping trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Watering live trees daily and discarding them once dry.
- Replacing worn cords and unplugging lights before bed.
- Using flameless candles or keeping open flames supervised.
The NFPA also notes that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen safety a top concern during gatherings.
Residents can find free printable checklists, safety videos, and local fire prevention resources at nfpa.org/education or through their local Delaware fire departments.
