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 fire facts

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of every five (44%) home Christmas tree fires.

Two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room. Five percent were chimney or flue fires. One-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen. Sixteen percent started in the living room, family room or den.

Almost three of every five (57%) December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to one-third (32%) in January to November.

See more statistics on winter holiday fires.

Christmas tree & decoration fires

Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer. Between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 780 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 increasingly flammable as they continue to dry out in your home. More than one-quarter (29%) 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

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 2017, 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.

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 JPG | PDF Put a freeze on winter holiday fires (Spanish) JPG | PDF



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.