Potential Causes of Holiday Fires

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Fires around the holidays are very common. SERVPRO of West Greenville County hopes everyone has had a fire free holiday season. Here are the main causes of holiday/winter fires:

Fireplaces

During the winter and holiday season people use their fire places more. Be sure to clean out your fireplace and watch the fire until it is completely burned out.

Cooking

Throughout the holiday season people tend to cook more. Many people will start cooking and leave their food unattended. If you are cooking in the oven, do not forget to turn it off!!

Decorative Lights

Make sure the lights you choose to decorate with do not have frayed wires. This could easily start an electrical fire. We recommend you do not leave lights up year round, as the chances of that strand catching fire increases. 

Candles

People also tend to light more candles during the winter and holiday season. According to the National Fire Protection Association, four of the five most dangerous days of the year for residential candle fires are Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. If you light a candle make sure it is away from anything that could blow on it and catch fire. Also make sure it is on a sturdy surface and you don't forget to blow it out.

Christmas Trees

It is very common for a Christmas tree to catch fire if it is not treated properly. Make sure you water your Christmas tree if it is real in order to reduce the chance of it catching fire. 

If you happen to experience a fire don't forget you can call SERVPRO of West Greenville County at 864-292-8570!!