JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- As the holiday season brings lights, decorations and family gatherings, JBSA Fire & Emergency Services is encouraging the community to stay alert to the heightened fire risks that come with winter celebrations.
The National Fire Protection Association, the leading source of national fire data, reports that U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 832 home decoration fires each year, not including Christmas trees, causing civilian deaths, injuries and millions of dollars in property damage.
Electrical malfunctions, unattended cooking and open-flame candles account for a large portion of winter fires, according to NFPA. JBSA Fire Prevention Inspector Marcus Armstrong said these risks increase sharply in the final weeks of December.
“People don’t realize how fast a small flame can turn into a room fire, especially with dry decorations or overloaded outlets,” he said. “Most of the time, it’s something simple like a candle left burning or a pan forgotten on the stove, but the consequences can be life changing.”
NFPA data also shows that electrical distribution or lighting equipment is involved in roughly 43% of Christmas tree fires. Candles remain a significant hazard as well, with December and January representing the peak months for candle-related home fires. Roughly half of all home decoration fires in December are started by candles.
Holiday cooking remains a top concern nationally and across JBSA. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day consistently rank among the busiest days for cooking-related fires. Armstrong emphasized that even momentary distractions can lead to emergencies, urging Airmen and families to stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling or broiling food and to keep flammable items clear of the stovetop.
Christmas trees also become more dangerous as they dry out. NFPA reports that about one-third of tree fires occur in January. Decorative lights, lamps and candles often play a role in these incidents.
To combat cold-weather hazards, the inspector also warned about improper use of space heaters. JBSA Fire & Emergency Services recommends keeping heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, plugging them directly into wall outlets and ensuring they feature automatic shut-off switches.
“We want everyone to enjoy the season, but we want them to get through it safely, too,” Armstrong said. “A few extra seconds to check a stove, unplug decorations or move a heater can prevent a major emergency.”
Fire officials recommend blowing out all candles and turning off decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
For more information on fire safety or to speak with an installation fire prevention specialist, contact your local JBSA Fire Prevention Office:
- JBSA–Randolph Fire Prevention: 210-652-6915
- JBSA–Lackland Fire Prevention: 210-671-2921
- JBSA–Fort Sam Houston Fire Prevention: 210-221-2727