Avoid Fire Damage From Holiday Lights and Decorations This December

Sam Simon

September 15, 2025

Holiday decorations bring joy — but also serious fire risks. Learn how to prevent holiday light and tree fires with tips from ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Chicago’s trusted fire restoration experts.

Holiday Cheer Brings Hidden Fire Risks

Chicago in December is a sight to behold. From the sparkling lights on Michigan Avenue to the glow of neighborhood block displays in Oak Park, River Forest, and North Shore suburbs like Evanston and Wilmette, the season is magical. But beneath the charm lies a serious danger: holiday decorations are a leading cause of house fires every winter.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 790 home fires annually that start with holiday decorations — not counting Christmas trees. Electrical failures, overloaded outlets, and unattended candles are the usual suspects. [NFPA Source]

As Chicago’s IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer with 40+ years of local service, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons wants to help homeowners prevent the heartbreak of fire damage this season.

Holiday Fire Risk Statistics Every Homeowner Should Know

Nearly 1 in 5 Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems (NFPA).
Candle fires peak in December, with Christmas Day being the top day for candle-related fires.
Holiday decoration fires cause an average of $13 million in direct property damage each year.

In historic Chicago homes with older wiring (think Logan Square, Lakeview, Oak Park), or in North Shore estates with sprawling light displays (Glencoe, Winnetka, Lake Forest), risks are compounded.

Holiday candles raise the risk of fires in homes

Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Lights & Decorations

1. Inspect Holiday Lights Before Use

Look for cracked sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections.
Only use UL-listed or ETL-certified lights that meet national safety standards.
Never daisy-chain more than three strings of lights together.

2. Choose the Right Extension Cords

Indoor cords cannot withstand Chicago’s winter elements. Always use outdoor-rated cords for exterior displays.
Avoid overloading outlets or running cords under rugs where they can overheat.

3. Keep Candles Under Control

Place candles on heat-resistant, stable surfaces far from curtains, trees, and wrapping paper.
Extinguish candles before bed or leaving the house.
Better yet, switch to battery-powered LED candles.

4. Buy and Maintain a Fresh Tree

Needles should bend, not snap, when touched.
Water daily — a dry tree can ignite in less than 30 seconds.
Keep the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents.

5. Handle Wrapping Paper Safely

Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. The inks and materials can cause sudden flash fires.
Recycle it or repurpose it for crafts.

6. Be Cautious With Fire-Resistant Labels

“Fire-resistant” doesn’t mean “fireproof.” Items like fringed rugs or paper decorations can still catch fire.

7. Space Heaters & Fireplaces

Keep heaters at least 3 feet from flammable items.
Clean chimneys before first use of the season.
Use fireplace screens to prevent embers from igniting rugs or gifts.

What To Do If a Fire Happens in Your Chicago Home

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If fire strikes:

Call 911 immediately.
Evacuate and stay out. Don’t re-enter to save belongings.
Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons. We respond 24/7 across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, DuPage County and Oak Park/River Forest.

Our services include:

FAQs: Holiday Fire Safety in Chicago

How common are holiday fires in the U.S.?
NFPA data shows that nearly 800 home fires annually start with holiday decorations.

What causes most Christmas tree fires?
Electrical issues — frayed wires, overloaded outlets, or faulty lights — are the leading causes.

Are LED holiday lights safer?
Yes. LEDs generate less heat and use less energy, making them far less likely to ignite decorations or dry trees.

What should I do immediately after a fire in my home?
Call 911, evacuate, and then contact a licensed restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration brand. Locally, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has provided 40+ years of expert service across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, Oak Park, River Forest, and DuPage County.

Led by Nasutsa Mabwa (CEO) and Sam Simon (IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer) our firm is:

An RIA member
A certified IICRC firm (verify here: IICRC Certified Firm Tool)
Winner of the BBB Torch Award, Chicago Star Award, and Stevie® Award

We also co-authored RESTORE: A Complete Guide To Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset — a must-have for homeowners navigating disaster recovery.

📞 Call us anytime:

Chicago: (773) 376-1110
North Shore & Lake County: (847) 316-9145
Oak Park & River Forest: (708) 524-0304
DuPage County

Sam Simon

Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.

He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.

Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.

In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.

Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile

Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.

Under the direction of partner and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:

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