U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 840 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees, in 2011-2015. These fires caused an annual average of two civilian fire deaths, 36 civilian fire injuries and $11.4 million in direct property damage.
Ten percent of decoration fires were intentional.
The decoration was too close to a heat source such as a candle or equipment in two of every five (42%) fires.
More than one-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen. Fifteen percent started in the living room, family room or den.
One-fifth (19%) of the home decoration fires occurred in December.
Candles started more than one-third (36%) of home decoration structure fires.
More than half (55%) of the December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to one-third (32%) in January to November.
The top three days for home candle fires were Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year's Eve.
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Cooking equipment was involved in 19% of home decoration fires. This can happen when a decoration is left on or too close to a stove or other cooking equipment.
Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Winter storms - Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.
Generators - Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a 2013 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools.