Stay Merry and Safe: Fire Safety Comes First This Holiday Season

Stay Merry and Safe: Fire Safety Comes First This Holiday Season 

In 2024, 12 people in Illinois lost their lives in fire related incidents during the holiday season 

Springfield, Ill- As holiday celebrations get underway, the OSFM, Camp I Am Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board and the Springfield Fire Department urge residents to keep fire safety at the top of their holiday checklist.

 According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. More than two of every five home decoration fires occur due to decorations being placed too close to a heat source. The NFPA also reports U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 832 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Between 2019-2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 145 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.

 Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five homes. As Christmas trees dry out, they become more and more flammable. Thirty-six percent of Christmas tree fires were in January. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, they can grow very fast. Candle fires peak in December followed closely by January. More than half of home decoration fires in December are started by candles. The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Before you head to bed or out for the evening, extinguish all lit candles.

 “Decking the halls for the holiday season brings a special sense of warmth and joy to the home, but it can also increase the risk of accidental fires,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow.

 “It’s important that folks follow manufacturers’ instructions when hanging lights, avoid overloading outlets, and ensure decorations are kept away from heating sources. Additionally, decorations should never be placed in doorways or block escape routes in case of a fire. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.”

 “During the holiday season, Christmas trees and candles bring joy and warmth to our homes, but they can also pose serious fire risks if not handled carefully,” said Springfield Fire Department Assistant Chief Julie Plunk. “Make sure your tree is fresh and well-watered, keep it away from heat sources, and never leave candles unattended. By choosing battery-powered candles instead of real flames this will reduce the risk of fire. By taking these simple precautions, families can enjoy a festive and safe holiday season.” 

“The holidays should bring warmth and light, not tragedy. Every year, we meet survivors whose lives are forever changed by preventable fires caused by dry trees, faulty holiday lights, or unattended candles,” said Executive Director of Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Philip Zaleski. “At Camp I Am Me, we know that recovery from a burn injury is a long and difficult journey. By taking just a few extra minutes to check your decorations, water your tree, and practice fire safety, you can ensure that your family’s holiday memories are filled with joy, not heartbreak.” "Home fire sprinklers are one of the most effective tools for protecting families and homes,” said Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board Executive Director Erik Hoffer. 

“They can dramatically reduce the spread of fire, giving residents more time to safely evacuate and minimizing property damage. This holiday season, as we decorate and celebrate, installing sprinklers is a proactive step every homeowner can take to keep their loved ones safe." The OSFM will once again be hosting the Keep the Wreath Red Campaign at our offices in Springfield and Chicago, along with at the Quinn Fire Academy in Chicago.

 This campaign raises awareness about the importance of fire safety during the holiday season (December 1st through January 2nd). Unfortunately, last year 12 lives were lost in fire related incidents during the holiday season in Illinois.  

 Keep the Wreath Red campaign began in 1954 in Naperville to raise awareness about holiday fire safety. White light bulbs will replace the red bulbs when a fire related death is reported in the state.

 These white lights are not just bulbs; they represent a person! This could be your mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, friend, or neighbor. The goal of the campaign each year is to raise awareness and help prevent fire deaths from occurring.   Here are some tips to keep in mind to stay fire safe when decking the halls this holiday season.   

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame retardant or flame resistant. 

  • Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.   

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

• Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.

 • Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use or both.  

 • Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for number of light strings you can string together.  

 • Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

 • If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily! It is not unusual for a tree to drink two gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.   

• Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.   After a busy cooking day on Thanksgiving, before firing the oven back up preparing the next holiday meal, make sure to clean it! In case of an oven fire, turn off the oven and keep the door closed until it is cool. Clean cook tops as left-over grease can catch fire. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, but Christmas and Christmas Eve follow closely behind.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Secretary of State Giannoulias