7 common causes of holiday house fires

Where do house fires most commonly start?

• In the kitchen, particularly near ovens and stove burners.
• In the living room, where two out of every five home Christmas tree fires start.
• Near heat sources, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, and heating vents.
• Near wiring and electrical outlets, often due to frayed wires and damaged or overloaded circuits.

How many fires happen during the holidays?

• Close to 50,000 house fires happen each year during the holiday season.
• Holiday house fires claim the lives of more than 500 people each year and leave 2,200 injured.
• Property damage from house fires over the holidays is estimated to cost more than $550 million per year.

Biggest home fire hazards during the holidays

1. Lighting displays

• Use the right lights for the job. Use indoor lights in your home only and never for outdoor displays.
• Check for damage. Replace any broken bulbs, and throw away lights that show signs of fraying or loose wiring.
• Avoid overusing extensions. Follow the package instructions regarding the maximum number of lights you can string together safely.
• Use a timer. Ensure all lights are unplugged while you’re away from home and when you go to bed.
• Turn off the lights before bed. Use a timer or manually shut down the lights at the end of the day.
• Hang lights with the proper equipment. For example, using nails may damage your string light. Use clips instead. If you’re not sure how to correctly hang holiday lights, hire a professional near you.

2. Christmas trees

• Think carefully about your setup. The National Fire Protection Association reports that roughly 1 out of every 5 Christmas tree fires were caused by setting up too close to heat sources.
• Give it space. Your Christmas tree should be at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, radiators, candles, and heating vents.
• Avoid holiday string light hazards. Take the same precautions when stringing lights on your tree as with other holiday light displays. Avoid overloading extensions, use indoor (not outdoor) lights, turn off the tree’s lights before bed, and replace damaged light sets. Always read the instructions before you start wrapping lights around your tree.
• Keep live trees well-watered. Check the water levels daily, and take your tree down promptly at the end of the season or when it gets dry.

3. Candles

• Keep candles clear of other objects. Find an uncluttered, flat surface to place them on, and keep them at least 1 foot away from other objects. Make sure books, wrapping paper, stockings, garlands, wreaths, and other flammable objects are not nearby.
• Keep them out of reach of children. A child can easily knock over your holiday candles while playing.
• Never leave them unattended. Blow candles out when leaving a room or going to bed.
• Limit their use in decor. Never put them on or near a live or artificial Christmas tree.
• Use sturdy candle holders. Stick with candle holders made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
• Consider electric candles instead. Battery-operated, flameless candles are generally safer. Consider using these to decorate guest rooms, table settings, and the mantle.

4. Fireplaces and wood stoves

• Use a fireplace glass or metal screen. Fireplace screens help prevent sparks that could ignite other objects.
• Create enough space. Keep wood stoves at least 3 feet away from objects that can burn.
• Don’t burn paper. Keep it out of your fireplace and wood stove.
• Never leave it unattended. Check that your fire and any smoldering embers are out completely before leaving your home or going to bed.
• Get it cleaned and inspected. Schedule a professional chimney cleaning at least once every year. Check for damage and obstruction once a month.

5. Portable space heaters

• Position it properly. Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from curtains, rugs, or other flammable objects.
• Make sure it shuts off automatically. Use a space heater with an automatic shut-off function in case it accidentally tips over.
• Don’t use an extension cord. Plug it directly into the electrical outlet.
• Keep it out of reach. Make sure it’s someplace where children or pets will not touch it or knock it over.
• Check for damage. Get rid of it at the first sign of wear, frayed wiring, or if it gives off an unusual smell.
• Turn it off. Whenever you leave the room or your home, remember to shut off your space heater.

6. Holiday meals

• Dress appropriately. Avoid billowing sleeves or other loose clothing when cooking.
• Reduce kitchen clutter. Keep curtains, dish towels, and other fabrics far away from heat sources.
• Pay attention and stay in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Supervise young chefs and kitchen helpers, and never turn your back on a lit stove.
• Use caution with certain appliances. For example, follow manufacturer instructions regarding deep fryers — one of our favorite ways to cook a holiday turkey (never use one indoors!).
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Be sure you have quick and easy access to your fire extinguisher.
• Get rid of grease and food build-up. Deep clean your kitchen to get rid of grease on your stovetop and in your oven. If you’re too busy to clean your appliances yourself, you can hire a house cleaner near you.

7. Clutter and junk

• Steer clear of heating sources. Make sure all clutter is stored several feet away from any heating source.
• Keep up with your deliveries. Break down and recycle your delivery boxes regularly.
• Limit where clutter accumulates. Having a designated area for opening packages can reduce clutter throughout your home.
• Make a clean sweep. Periodically gather gifts, toys, decorations, or other items and put them in their proper place.
• Empty garbage regularly. Avoid letting bags of used gift wrap or other debris accumulate in or around your home. Make trips to your local dump or recycling center as needed. You can also hire a junk removal service to pick up large loads.

Use Thumbtack to stay safe this holiday season