It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as people get ready for the holiday season by decorating their Christmas trees and homes with festive cheer.

It’s also a dangerous time of the year, as the Christmas decor adds to the risk of a fire in the home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association:

• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 44% of home Christmas tree fires;

• 39% of home Christmas tree fires started in the living room; 5% of winter holiday fires started in the chimney or flue; 21% of decoration fires started in the kitchen, while 16% started in the living room, family room or den.

• 57% of home decoration fires in December were started by candles, compared to 32% or one-third in January through November.

Between 2013-17, fire departments across the U.S. responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year, the NFPA reported. Fire departments responded to an estimated 780 home fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. The fire association also reports: More than 2 of every 5 decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source; and more than 1 of every 4 home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems or because the tree was too close to a heating source.
Though the statistics are dire, never fear, as there are things people can do to prevent fires.

Brainerd Fire Chief Tim Holmes said people should make sure Christmas lights are in good condition, not broken and the bulbs are working properly.

“Don’t use any lights where the bulbs are shorting out,” Holmes said.

Holmes said if people have a real Christmas tree they should make sure they are watering it properly, to make sure it stays hydrated. The drier the tree, the more of a fire hazard it will be. People also should pick out a good tree, with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Holmes encouraged homeowners to get rid of their Christmas tree after Christmas and to not leave it on their front porch or close to the home. Holmes said dried out trees are a fire danger and should be disposed of properly.

If people have pets, they should also make sure they stay away from the lights, electrical cords and candles to prevent fires. People should be mindful of candles burning and to not burn candles close to the Christmas tree or holiday decor.

Cooking is the leading cause of holiday home fires, the NFPA reports. One out of 3 home fires begin in the kitchen. A recent State Farm report shows the average 2018 cooking/grease fire loss claim in Minnesota was more than $61,000. During that same year, State Farm paid out more than $118 million across the U.S., it reported.

The No. 1 cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

Holmes said there are a few things people can do to prevent fires in the kitchen, including having a fire extinguisher that is readily accessible and not buried under a sink. Holmes also said people should check the extinguisher often to make sure it is operational. Another thing people can do is purchase a product called Stovetop Firestop, which runs just under $60. Holmes said this product, which looks like a tuna can with a magnet, is placed under the hood of the range.

“If you have a fire on the stove, this works like a fire extinguisher and works fantastic,” Holmes said.

Holmes said when cooking, people can prevent fires by making sure they keep pot holders/oven mitts, rags, paper towels and other materials away from the stovetop. People also should make sure they stay in the kitchen while cooking. It’s a good idea to set a timer if there is food in the oven, so people don’t forget about it and it starts a fire.

If a fire starts and a person can easily obtain their fire extinguisher to put out the fire, they should do so. If the fire is too big they are advised to call 911. If there is a grease fire on the stovetop, a person should simply smother the flames with a lid or cookie sheet, Holmes said. A person should not move the pan with the fire to the kitchen sink or anywhere else as it may spread.

“When in doubt, call 911,” Holmes said of a kitchen fire. “And always make sure the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working and you have a fire escape plan.”

Another heating hazard the entire winter season, not just the holidays, is people using alternative heating sources to heat their home or a fish house. Holmes said people need to make sure their carbon monoxide alarms are working and the heating source is plugged in directly to the outlet — not an extension cord or a power strip. The heating source also should be 3 feet away from any materials to avoid a possible fire from spreading quickly.

Holiday decorating tips

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Blow them out when a person leaves the room or goes to bed.

• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Turn them off before leaving the home or going to bed.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday entertaining tips

• Test the smoke alarms and tell guests about the home fire escape plan.

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.

• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Christmas tree safety

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that does not fall off when touched.

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.

• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.

• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

1/2: To help avoid fires, make sure your Christmas lights and cords are working properly. Jennifer Kraus/ Brainerd Dispatch

2/2: This is a screenshot of a product called Stovetop Firestop, which runs just under $60, that helps prevent fires on the stovetop.