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A warmly lit indoor Christmas scene featuring a decorated tree with red and white ornaments and snowflake-patterned baubles on the left, and a glowing fireplace with visible flames and burning logs in the background. A rustic wooden surface is in the foreground, adding to the cozy, festive atmosphere.
GeneralCommunity Risk Reduction

Holiday Safety Tips: Keep the Season Fire-Safe

December 4, 2025

VDFP shares holiday fire safety tips to help Virginians celebrate safely—covering decorations, trees, candles, cooking and home preparedness.

The holiday season is a time for gatherings, decorations, and celebration. It’s also a time when the risk of fire increases. To help ensure your celebrations remain joyful and safe, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs is sharing important reminders for this Holiday Season.

A person stands on a red ladder decorating the front entrance of a brick house, attaching a large red bow to a white column wrapped in string lights. The opposite column already has a matching bow. A festive wreath hangs on the red front door beneath the house number “12,” and the entrance is framed by a white portico with a triangular pediment and black lantern-style light. Keep decorations away from heat sources. Holiday Decorating

  • Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations. Look for labels that indicate materials are designed to resist catching fire.
  • Keep decorations away from heat sources. Placing items too close to fireplaces, radiators, or candles can cause them to ignite.
  • Check lights before use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections.
  • Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for indoor or outdoor use.

Two people decorate a Christmas tree in a cozy, warmly lit room. One wears a red reindeer sweater and places an ornament on the tree, while the other, in a beige sweater, smiles and assists. The tree glows with string lights and is adorned with red and gold ornaments. A white window seat with colorful cushions and natural light from the window adds to the festive, joyful atmosphere. A dry tree is a significant fire hazard. Christmas Trees  

  • If using a real tree, keep it fresh. Water your tree daily and remove it from your home when it begins to dry out.
  • A dry tree is a significant fire hazard.
  • Position trees carefully. Keep them at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters, or candles.
  • Use only approved lights. Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.

A cluster of flameless LED candles with realistic flickering flames, arranged closely together on a reflective surface. Their warm yellow-orange glow creates a cozy, ambient atmosphere, enhanced by the mirror reflection that doubles the light and depth of the scene. Consider battery-operated candles. Candles 

  • Consider battery-operated candles. These provide a safe alternative with the same warm glow.
  • If you do use candles, practice caution. Keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
  • Always blow them out when leaving a room or going to bed.

An adult and child cook together in a warmly lit kitchen, both wearing matching white and red festive aprons. The child, smiling and wearing reindeer antlers, holds a pot steady while the adult stirs with a whisk. String lights and candy cane-themed containers add to the cozy holiday atmosphere, with various kitchen items like a kettle and large pot visible in the background. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Cooking 

  • Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires.
  • Keep flammable items away from the stovetop. Towels, packaging, and oven mitts should be stored at a safe distance.
  • Have a kid- and pet-free zone. Keep children and pets at least three feet from the cooking area.

A close-up of a person’s hand pressing the test button on a white, ceiling-mounted smoke detector. The circular device has a red LED light illuminated, indicating it’s active. Test smoke alarms.

General Safety 

  • Test smoke alarms. Ensure alarms are working on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
  • Create a home escape plan. Talk with family members about what to do in case of fire and practice your plan at least twice a year.

The holidays are a time to relax and make memories. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that the season is not only festive but fire-safe.

From all of us at the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, we wish you a safe and happy holidays.