NFPA provides a wealth of safety information to help ensure the holiday season is a safe one.
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. NFPA works to educate the public about potential fire risks during the holidays, offering tip sheets, videos, and other resources to help everyone safely enjoy the season.
Winter holiday fires by the numbers
Christmas tree & decoration fires
Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer. Between 2012-2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 170 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 800 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.
In the throes of holiday shopping and decorating? Check out the 9 Ways You’re a Holiday Decorating Disaster.
Christmas tree disposal
Christmas trees are combustible items that become increasing flammable as they continue to dry out in your home. One-third of home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur they’re much more likely to be serious.
A live Christmas tree burn conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows just how quickly a dried out Christmas tree fire burns, with flashover occurring in less than one minute, as compared to a well-watered tree, which burns at a much slower rate.
More information
Put a Freeze on Winter Fires
NFPA and USFA team up each year for "Put A Freeze on Winter Fires" to remind you that the winter months are the leading time of year for home fires. To help you stay safe, we’re providing a wealth of safety tips and information on cooking, heating, candles and holiday decorating – factors that contribute to the increased risk of home fires in the months ahead.
Holiday infographics
- Put a freeze on winter holiday fires JPG | PDF
- Put a freeze on winter holiday fires (Spanish) JPG | PDF
For kids and families
Whether you are looking for coloring pages, activity sheets or e-cards, we have what you need to keep you fire-safe this holiday season.
Holiday cooking
In 2016, the three leading dates for home structure fires caused by cooking were: Thanksgiving, Christmas day and Christmas Eve. That's why it's important to know what you can do to help keep your friends and family safe while entertaining for the holidays. Also, read NFPA's blog post on Martha Stewart's website - 8 Simple Fire Safety Tips We all Need to Follow This Holiday Season.
It's time to deck the halls, but follow NFPA's simple safety tips to help keep yourself and your family and friends safer from fire.
NFPA's lovable Dan Doofus shows you how to have a fire-safe holiday with a few simple safety tips.