When the holidays roll in, so do the twinkling lights, glowing trees, and festive displays. Unfortunately, all that sparkle can also spark something far less jolly — house fires.
But don’t worry — 24 Hour Flood Pros is here to help you keep your home merry, bright, and perfectly uncharred.
Why Holiday Start Fires
Holiday lights may look innocent and twinkly, but behind that cheerful glow are some surprisingly sneaky fire risks. Understanding what actually causes these festive flames is the first step toward keeping your holidays safe, sparkly, and disaster-free.
1. Overloaded Circuits
If you’re plugging multiple light strands, an inflatable snowman, and a mini laser light show into one outlet, your electrical system is probably begging for mercy. Overloaded circuits can heat up quickly and ignite nearby materials.
Pro Tip: Follow the “No More Than Three” rule — no more than three connected light strands per outlet.
Learn how smart home devices can help prevent small fires from becoming big disasters here: How Smart Home Devices Are Helping Prevent Fire and Water Damage
2. Damaged or Cheap Light Strands
Holiday lights get shoved into bins every year, tangled like spaghetti. Cracked wires, broken bulbs, and frayed insulation are common — and all are fire hazards.
- Perform a quick light check. If your lights look like they’ve survived a squirrel attack, it’s time to replace them.
3. Dry Christmas Trees
A dry tree combined with hot lights is basically kindling dressed in tinsel. In fact, a dry tree can engulf a room in under a minute.
Pro Tip: Keep your tree hydrated like it’s training for a marathon.
For more tips on Christmas tree fire safety, read our guide: Christmas Tree Fire Safety 2025: What Every Homeowner Should Know
4. Heat Sources + Decorations
Candles, space heaters, fireplaces, and warm light bulbs sitting too close to garlands or curtains can create a recipe for disaster (and not the good kind, like your aunt’s questionable fruitcake).
5 Simple Tips to Stay Safe
Now that we know how holiday lights can turn from festive to fiery, let’s get into the good news — staying safe is surprisingly simple. With a few smart habits and some quick checks, you can enjoy all the sparkle without the sparks.
Here are the easiest, most effective ways to keep your home merry, bright, and blissfully fire-free.
1. Use LED Lights
LEDs stay cooler and use less power. Plus, they last longer — unlike the incandescent bulbs that burn out the second you plug them in.
2. Inspect Before You Decorate
Check for:
- Cracks
- Loose Bulbs
- Frayed Wiring
- Melted or Warped Casings
If anything looks suspicious, toss it. Lights are cheap — fires aren’t.
3. Give Your Outlets a Break
Use power strips with surge protection, and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords (your electrician’s blood pressure just spiked). Spread your light strands across multiple outlets.
4. Unplug Before Bed
Holiday lights don’t need to stay on all night. Set timers, turn off displays before you sleep, and don’t give fire hazards an overnight shift.
5. Keep Decor Away from Heat Sources
Follow the 3-foot rule — anything that can burn should stay at least three feet from heaters, fireplaces, candles, or heat-producing lights.
What to Do If a Fire Happens
Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If a fire damages your home, 24 Hour Flood Pros is available around the clock to help restore your property quickly and safely. From emergency pack-outs and board-ups to full fire and water damage cleanup, we’ve got your back!
A Safe Holiday Season Starts Here
Holiday lights are magical, but they can also be mischievous. By keeping your wiring in check, using safer lighting, and giving your decorations a little breathing room, you can enjoy the season without the worry of fire hazards.
Stay festive, stay safe, and remember, if disaster strikes, 24 Hour Flood Pros is only a call away.
