Holiday Fire Dangers: Protecting Your Home During the Most Wonderful (and Risky) Time of the Year
The holidays are a time for warmth, celebration, and togetherness—but they also bring a sharp increase in residential fire risks. Between festive decorations, increased cooking, candles, fireplaces, and overloaded electrical systems, the holiday season is one of the most common times for devastating home fires.
At Disaster Pro, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a joyful moment can turn into a major insurance and recovery challenge. Knowing where the risks are—and how to prevent them—can make all the difference.
Below are the most common holiday fire dangers and practical steps you can take to protect your home and family.
🎄 Christmas Trees & Holiday Decorations
Dry or improperly maintained trees are one of the leading causes of holiday fires.
Fire safety tips:
Keep live trees watered at all times
Place trees at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, heaters, and candles
Use only UL-listed lights and replace damaged cords
Never leave holiday lights on overnight or when leaving the home
A spark from faulty wiring or a nearby heat source can ignite a tree in seconds.
🕯️ Candles & Open Flames
Candles create a cozy holiday atmosphere—but they’re a major fire hazard when left unattended.
Fire safety tips:
Keep candles away from curtains, decorations, and greenery
Never leave candles burning unattended
Use flameless LED candles whenever possible
Extinguish candles before going to sleep
Even small flames can quickly lead to widespread smoke and soot damage.
🍳 Holiday Cooking & Entertaining
The kitchen is the number one cause of home fires during the holidays.
Fire safety tips:
Never leave cooking unattended
Keep flammable items away from stovetops
Clean grease buildup from ovens and exhaust fans
Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible
Holiday cooking often involves crowded kitchens and distractions—conditions where accidents happen fast.
🔥 Fireplaces, Heaters & Space Warmers
Additional heat sources increase the risk of ignition.
Fire safety tips:
Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually
Keep flammable materials away from fireplaces and heaters
Never leave space heaters running unattended
Avoid using extension cords with heating devices
Improper use can lead not only to fires, but dangerous smoke infiltration throughout the home.
⚡ Electrical Overload & Extension Cords
Holiday décor often means extra power demands.
Fire safety tips:
Avoid overloading outlets
Use surge protectors, not extension cords, for multiple devices
Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately
Do not run cords under rugs or furniture
Electrical fires often start silently—behind walls or furniture—making them especially dangerous.
If a Holiday Fire Happens: Know Your Rights
Even small fires can cause significant hidden damage, including:
Smoke and soot contamination
HVAC system contamination
Damage to personal property and contents
Odors embedded in walls, flooring, and furnishings
Insurance claims after a fire can be overwhelming, especially when insurers minimize the scope of damage.
That’s where Disaster Pro comes in.
How Disaster Pro Helps
We guide homeowners through the insurance process with clarity and advocacy, helping ensure:
All fire, smoke, and soot damage is fully documented
Personal property and contents are properly evaluated
Repairs and remediation meet industry standards
You are treated fairly throughout the claims process
Our role is to help you rebuild stronger—without unnecessary stress or confusion.
Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
A little prevention goes a long way. By staying aware of these common holiday fire risks, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind
If you or someone you know experiences fire, smoke, or soot damage this holiday season, Disaster-Pro is here to help guide you from disaster to recovery.
