Fire Facts
During 2001, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to public fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 190 civilian deaths, 1,450 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $265 million.
Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey.
- Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible,
choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible
materials.
- Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials,
and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
- Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the
name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's
instructions for installation and maintenance.
- Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and
replace damaged items before plugging lights in. Do not overload
extension cords.
- Always unplug lights before replacing light bulbs or fuses.
- Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire
insulation (i.e., using clips, not nails).
- Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical
decorations.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the
house or going to bed.
More information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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