Holiday Fire Hazards: Staying Safe with Decorations, Candles & Cooking
The holiday season fills our homes with warmth, light, and celebration, but it also brings increased fire risks that can turn joyful moments into tragedy in an instant. At Camp Amigo, we've witnessed firsthand the lasting impact burn injuries have on children and families. This holiday season, we want to share essential safety tips to help protect your loved ones from preventable burn injuries!
The Hidden Dangers of Holiday Cheer
While most of us associate the holidays with twinkling lights and festive gatherings, fire departments across the country see a troubling spike in home fires during this time of year. Understanding these risks and taking simple precautions can make all the difference between a memorable celebration and a devastating event.
Christmas Tree Safety: Keep the Magic, Not the Risk
Your beautiful Christmas tree can become a serious fire hazard if not properly maintained. Dry trees ignite quickly and burn hot — a small flame can engulf an entire tree in seconds.
Fresh Tree Care:
Choose a fresh tree with green needles that don't fall off when touched
Cut two inches from the trunk before placing it in water
Check the water level daily. Trees can drink a gallon or more per day!
Keep your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters
Remove the tree after Christmas or when it becomes dry
Artificial Tree Tips:
Look for "fire-resistant" labels when purchasing
Inspect for damaged cords or broken lights before decorating
Never overload electrical outlets
Lighting Safety:
Use lights tested by a recognized laboratory (look for UL marks)
Replace string lights with frayed wires or broken sockets
Turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed
Never use candles to decorate a tree
Space Heaters: Warm Homes, Cool Heads
Space heaters are involved in thousands of home fires each year, yet they're tempting when trying to stay warm during chilly holiday gatherings.
Essential Space Heater Rules:
Maintain a three-foot "kid-free zone" around heaters
Place heaters on flat, stable surfaces away from foot traffic
Never leave space heaters unattended or running while you sleep
Plug heaters directly into wall outlets – never use extension cords
Choose newer models with automatic shut-off features and tip-over protection
Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture, and anything flammable
Candle Safety: Set the Mood Safely
Candles create beautiful ambiance, but they're also one of the leading causes of winter home fires.
During December, candle fires are more than twice as common as during other months.
Safer Candle Practices:
Place candles in sturdy, non-flammable holders on stable surfaces
Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn
Never leave burning candles unattended — extinguish them when you leave a room
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets
Avoid placing candles near Christmas trees, decorations, or curtains
Consider flameless LED candles as a safer alternative for homes with young children
Holiday-Specific Cautions:
Advent wreaths and menorahs should be placed on heat-resistant surfaces
Keep matches and lighters locked away from curious children
Never use candles on or near a Christmas tree
Kitchen Fire Prevention: Holiday Cooking Without the Danger
The kitchen becomes command central during the holidays, and with increased cooking comes increased fire risk. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and burn injuries year-round.
Stay-Safe Cooking Tips:
Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling
Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop (oven mitts, towels, food packaging)
Roll up your sleeves and avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking
Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped or grabbed by children
Keep children at least three feet away from the stove
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it
Turkey Fryer Safety:
Deep-fry turkeys outdoors only, away from buildings and combustible materials
Never fry a frozen turkey – ice and water cause oil to splatter
Use the amount of oil recommended by the manufacturer
Never leave a fryer unattended
Allow oil to cool completely before disposing
If a Cooking Fire Starts:
For a stovetop fire, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the heat
Never throw water on a grease fire
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed
If the fire doesn't go out or you're unsure, evacuate and call 911
Winter Home Safety Checklist
Beyond specific holiday hazards, winter brings additional safety considerations:
Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in sleeping areas
Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting spot outside
Inspect your fireplace and chimney annually by a professional
Keep fire extinguishers accessible and ensure everyone knows how to use them
Check electrical decorations for damage before use each year
Avoid overloading outlets with too many decorations or lights
When Seconds Count: What to Do in a Fire Emergency
Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. Knowing how to respond can save lives:
Get out fast – don't stop to gather belongings
Stay low under smoke – cleaner air is near the floor
Feel doors before opening – if hot, use another exit
Stop, drop, and roll if clothing catches fire
Cool burns immediately with cool (not ice-cold) water
Call 911 from outside the home
Never go back inside a burning building
Help Us Support Burn Survivors This Holiday Season
At Camp Amigo, we provide a life-changing week of camp each year for young burn survivors from across North Florida at no cost to families. For many of our campers, the injuries they've overcome happened during moments just like these — holiday gatherings that turned tragic in an instant.
Through friendship, adventure, and support, Camp Amigo helps children with burn injuries discover they're not alone. They build confidence, create lasting bonds, and find joy in being themselves among others who truly understand their journey.
This holiday season, your gift can make a difference.
As we approach year-end, we're asking our community to help us continue providing this free, transformative experience for burn survivors. Every donation helps us provide a week of camp completely free for burn-injured children ages 7-17, staff our camp with trained counselors, firefighters, nurses, and medical professionals, offer activities from swimming and archery to peer counseling and talent shows, and create a safe space where scars – both physical and emotional – are understood and celebrated.
Your tax-deductible donation before December 31st helps ensure we can welcome every child who needs Camp Amigo, regardless of their family's financial situation.
Share this post with your friends and family to help spread holiday fire safety awareness. Together, we can make this a safer season for everyone.
