Winter is a season filled with warmth and celebration. But it’s also the time of year when the risk of home fires increases dramatically. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires peak in December, driven by heating equipment, holiday decorations, candles and electrical hazards. For homeowners, understanding these risks—and knowing how to prevent them—is essential for your safety and protecting your home.
Below is a guide to the most common winter fire hazards and the steps you can take to minimize risk.
Space Heaters: Convenient but High Risk
Space heaters remain one of the top causes of fires. While they provide quick warmth, especially in older homes or drafty rooms, they also pose significant dangers if misused.
Key Space Heater Risks
Too-close proximity to combustibles (curtains, bedding, furniture)
Tipping over, especially older models without automatic shut-off
Overloading electrical outlets
Using extension cords or power strips, which can overheat
Prevention Tips
Follow the three-foot rule: Keep anything flammable at least three feet away.
Use heaters with tip-over protection and overheat sensors.
Plug directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord.
Turn space heaters off when you leave the room or go to bed.
Inspect cords regularly for cracking or fraying.
Insurance note: Many policies require homeowners to take “reasonable precautions.” Improper use of space heaters may complicate a claim if they were used unsafely.
Chimneys & Fireplaces Require Maintenance
A crackling fire is the essence of winter comfort, but poorly maintained chimneys are a major fire hazard.
Key Fireplace Risks
Creosote buildup inside chimneys, which is highly flammable
Cracked chimney liners that allow heat to reach the home’s structure
Sparks or embers escaping the fireplace
Using improper fuel (e.g., trash, cardboard, plastics)
Prevention Tips
Schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning once per year, ideally before winter.
Use a sturdy screen or glass doors to prevent sparks.
Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
Never leave a fire unattended, especially if children or pets are nearby.
Fully extinguish the fire before leaving the house or going to bed.
Insurance note: Having up-to-date chimney inspections can help streamline fire-related claims and demonstrate proper home maintenance.
Christmas Trees: Beautiful but Flammable
A dry Christmas tree can ignite and engulf a living room in seconds. Both real and artificial trees come with risks.
Key Christmas Tree Risks
Dry, brittle needles on natural trees
Faulty lights or overloaded electrical outlets
Candles placed too close to the tree
Portable heaters blowing warm air onto branches
Prevention Tips
For real trees:
Choose a fresh tree with sap and flexible needles.
Water daily. Trees can dry out faster than you think.
Keep the tree at least three feet from heat sources.
For artificial trees:
Look for the label “fire-resistant.”
Avoid placing near fireplaces, radiators or space heaters.
For lighting:
Use UL-listed lights appropriate for indoor use.
Throw away any string lights with frayed wires or broken bulbs.
Turn off all tree lights before bed or leaving the house.
Insurance note: Fires involving Christmas trees can spread rapidly, resulting in extensive property damage and higher claims. Regular watering, safe lighting and heat-source clearance are simple steps that can significantly reduce exposure.
Candles: Small Flames, Big Hazards
Candles contribute to holiday ambiance, but they are a leading cause of winter home fires.
Key Candle Risks
Being left unattended
Placing candles near flammable decorations
Using unstable candle holders
Pets or children knocking candles over
Prevention Tips
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
Use sturdy, non-tip holders.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a few minutes.
Consider battery-operated, flameless candles for décor-heavy areas.
Insurance note: If a candle fire occurs while a homeowner was away from the room, insurers may scrutinize the event. Prevention is key.
Holiday Décor & Lights: Festive but Potentially Faulty
From elaborate yard displays to indoor garlands and wreaths, holiday décor brings joy—but also introduces additional electrical and fire risks.
Key Holiday Décor Risks
Overloaded circuits
Old or damaged light strings
Indoor lights used outdoors
Exposed wires near flammable materials
Overheated extension cords
Prevention Tips
Inspect all lights for fraying or broken bulbs.
Don’t connect more strings together than manufacturers recommend.
Use outdoor-rated cords and lights for exterior decorations.
Keep electrical cords away from snow, standing water and walkways.
Turn off all decorations before bed or leaving the home.
Insurance note: Documenting your décor setup and using outdoor-rated equipment helps prevent electrical fires and supports any related insurance claims.
Cooking-Related Fires During the Holidays
Winter holiday cooking—big meals, crowded kitchens and distractions—makes this one of the most common sources of home fires.
Key Cooking Risks
Leaving cooking unattended
Grease fires on stovetops
Overcrowded ovens
Flammable items placed near burners
Prevention Tips
Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling.
Keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires—never use water.
Keep flammable objects (towels, pot holders, packaging) away from the stovetop.
Make sure smoke alarms are fully operational before heavy cooking periods.
Insurance note: Many kitchen fires stem from momentary distractions. Active supervision and basic precautions can reduce the likelihood and severity of an insurance claim.
Electrical Overload: More Devices, More Risk
Winter tends to bring more electrical usage—heaters, holiday lights, charging stations and kitchen appliances all converge.
Key Electrical Risks
Overloaded circuits or power strips
Loose electrical connections
Aging wiring in older homes
Damaged cords under rugs or furniture
Prevention Tips
Plug high-wattage appliances directly into wall outlets.
Avoid daisy-chaining power strips.
Look for outlets that feel warm—this is a warning sign.
Upgrade old wiring if you live in an older home.
Insurance note: Electrical issues often cause severe fires with significant claims. Proactive upgrades can reduce risk.
Smoke Alarms & Fire Extinguishers: Your First Line of Defense
Even with the best prevention efforts, accidents can happen. Working smoke alarms and accessible fire extinguishers save lives.
Best Practices
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and hallways.
Test alarms regularly and replace batteries annually.
Replace entire units every 10 years.
Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher in accessible locations—kitchen, garage, near fireplaces.
Insurance note: Functioning safety devices can help minimize damage and support smoother claims handling.
Protect Your Home and Your Family This Winter
Taking these precautions not only protects your property and loved ones but also demonstrates responsible homeownership. If you have questions about homeowners insurance coverage, the Wallace & Turner team is here to help.