Safety tips to avoid fire hazards this holiday season

As residents and visitors prepare for holiday festivities, New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey is sharing a list of safety tips to prevent fire risks and other hazards this winter season.

"A well-decorated home should also be a safe one. Be sure to check lights, trees, and candles for proper use and maintenance to keep loved ones protected," said Toomey. "Additionally, remember to ensure chimneys are cleaned properly prior to use, and never leave a stove unattended when cooking holiday meals. The best gift you can give this season is peace of mind."

The month of December has the highest number of candle fires in the state, with 83% occurring in residential properties and 38% occurring in bedrooms. From 2014 to 2023, the top two types of fires in New Hampshire reported around the Christmas holiday were chimney/flue fires and cooking fires. Additionally, 72% of reported fires around the Christmas holiday occurred during the daytime hours (6 a.m. - 9 p.m.). 74% of building fires in the months of November, December and January were residential properties. Of those fires, 41% were related to home heating and 27% were cooking-related.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. These fires caused an annual average of 3 civilian fire deaths, 30 civilian fire injuries and $14 Million in direct property damage.

Additionally, between 2018-2022, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 155 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five (41%) home Christmas tree fires, and nearly one of every five (20%) Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs. Candle fires also peak in December and January, with 11% of candle fires in each of these months.So far in 2024, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office can confirm they have investigated 18 fatal fire incidents resulting in the deaths of 20 people. A few incidents remain under investigation, pending cause and manner of death.

Residents and visitors are also reminded of the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Homeowners may have less than two minutes to escape in the event of a fire, and they can begin to feel the effects of a carbon monoxide exposure within minutes. Early notification is key and a gift that will last far beyond the holiday season.