SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Fire officials across Illinois are urging families to keep safety at the front of their minds as people move further into the holiday season.
Fire officials warn that Christmas trees can quickly turn deadly if not properly cared for.
The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, working alongside the Springfield Fire Department and other fire safety partners, is reminding people that fires remain a serious risk during the holiday season. OSFM said 12 people lost their lives in fire-related incidents across Illinois during the 2024 holidays.
"Decking the halls for the holiday season brings a sense of warmth and joy to the home, but it can also increase the risk of accidental fires," said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow.Â
Fire experts say Christmas trees, especially those that are dry or poorly maintained, can ignite and spread flames in a matter of seconds. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 145 home fires every year that begin with Christmas trees.
The risk increases when trees dry out or are placed near heat sources. The NFPA reports that more than one-third of home decoration fires start with candles, and more than 40% happen when decorations are too close to something that produces heat, such as fireplaces, space heaters, or light bulbs.
To show just how fast a fire can spread, fire officials conducted a live demonstration illustrating the danger of letting a Christmas tree dry out. During the demonstration, crews showed how placing decorations too close to heat sources can turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire in seconds.
"Home fire sprinklers are one of the most effective tools for protecting families and homes," said Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board Executive Director Erik Hoffer. "They can dramatically reduce the spread of the fire, giving residents more time to safely evacuate and minimizing property damage."Â
The Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office recommends families water live Christmas trees daily and remove them from the home once needles become dry or begin falling off easily. Trees should be placed at least three feet away from fireplaces, heaters, candles and heat vents, and lights should be turned off before leaving the house or going to bed.
Officials also encourage people to use only tested and approved holiday lights, avoid overloading electrical outlets and never use candles near trees or decorations. Smoke alarms should be working on every level of the home and near sleeping areas.
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