Fire Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season brings celebration, family gatherings, and winter traditions—but it also brings an increase in home fire risks. December is one of the busiest months of the year for fire departments, with higher rates of cooking fires, heating incidents, and hazards related to holiday décor. At LION, we remain committed to supporting the fire service by helping communities stay informed, prepared, and fire-safe during this festive season.

Here are practical fire prevention reminders to help keep homes—and firefighters—safer throughout December.

Cooking Safely During Holiday Gatherings

Holiday meals often mean crowded kitchens, multiple dishes cooking at once, and plenty of distractions. Since cooking is the leading cause of home fires year-round, fire departments see a spike in incidents throughout December. Supporting community safety begins at home, and small habits make a major difference.

Tips for safer holiday cooking:

• Never leave stovetops or ovens unattended.

• Keep flammable items—like towels, paper goods, and packaging—away from heat sources.

• Use timers to stay on track with multiple dishes.

• Turn pot handles inward to avoid spills or accidental contact.

• Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby.

Heating Safety as Temperatures Drop

As colder weather settles in, heating equipment becomes a household essential. Unfortunately, it’s also a leading cause of winter fires. Firefighters across the country respond to thousands of heating-related incidents each year. A safer heating setup means fewer risks for families—and fewer preventable emergencies for firefighters.

Heating safety reminders:

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.

• Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Have chimneys and fireplaces inspected and cleaned annually.

• Keep furnace rooms clear of storage and clutter.

• Never use kitchen appliances as a heat source.

Holiday Décor: Celebrating Safely

From festive lights to seasonal candles, holiday décor brings joy, but it must be used responsibly. Firefighters frequently respond to incidents caused by overloaded outlets, damaged cords, dried-out greenery, and unattended open flames this time of year. Taking a few extra moments to inspect decorations, use electrical products as directed, and place heat sources away from anything that can burn. Celebrations shouldn’t come at the expense of safety—and simple checks help prevent dangerous situations.

Lighting Safety

• Inspect string lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs.

• Use lights rated for indoor/outdoor use as intended.

• Avoid plugging too many items into one outlet or power strip.

• Turn off all holiday lighting before going to bed or leaving home.

Candle Safety

• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable.

• Use steady, tip-resistant holders.

• Consider battery-powered LED candles—decorative and safer.

Christmas Tree Safety

Whether you prefer a fresh-cut tree or an artificial one, both require proper care and placement to reduce fire risks. Regardless of the type, always place trees away from exits and high-traffic areas to keep escape routes clear. Thoughtful placement not only keeps the tree looking its best—it also helps ensure a safer, more accessible home in the event of an emergency.

For real trees:

• Choose a fresh tree with vibrant needles that don’t shed.

• Water daily to prevent drying, which can cause a tree to ignite rapidly.

• Keep trees away from fireplaces, heaters, and candles.

For artificial trees:

• Ensure it is labeled “fire-resistant.”

• Inspect pre-lit branches for damaged wiring.

Test Your Smoke Alarms & Home Safety Plans

The holidays often mean more guests, busy schedules, and added activities—making early fire detection and fast response more critical than ever. Taking time to prepare not only brings peace of mind at home, it also supports firefighters by helping reduce preventable emergencies in the community.

Best practices:

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.

• Replace batteries if necessary.

• Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible and functional.

• Review emergency escape plans with family and visitors.

At LION, Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

As families gather and firefighters stand ready for another demanding season, LION remains committed to supporting safety both on and off the fireground. By building simple fire prevention habits into everyday life at home, communities can lower risk, protect loved ones, and help firefighters stay safe while they answer the call throughout the holidays.

Together, we can make December safer for everyone.

© 2025 LION Group, Inc.