LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Fire & Rescue is urging residents to take extra precautions during the Christmas holiday, citing the increased risk of home fires tied to decorations, cooking, and Christmas trees.

Fire officials said winter holidays bring families together but also create conditions that significantly raise fire danger inside homes. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 143 Christmas tree–related home fires each year between 2020 and 2024. Those fires resulted in an estimated seven civilian deaths, 13 injuries, and $15 million in property damage during that period.

“Christmas Day is one of the leading days for home fires,” fire officials said in a statement, emphasizing that many incidents are preventable with basic safety steps.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue recommends residents follow these guidelines throughout the holiday season:

• Choose decorations labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other flammable materials.
• Ensure children and pets are kept away from burning candles at all times.
• Never leave cooking unattended. Remain in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.
• Adopt the phrase, “If I leave, I turn it off,” to reinforce safe cooking habits.
• Create a child-free zone by keeping children at least three feet away from stoves and other hot surfaces.

Christmas Tree Safety

Fire officials noted that nearly half of Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. Residents are advised to:

• Replace light strings with worn cords, broken sockets, or loose bulbs.
• Follow manufacturer instructions when connecting light strands.
• Ensure trees do not block exits or doorways.
• Water live trees twice daily and never allow them to dry out.
• Never decorate trees with lit candles.
• Turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Test tree freshness daily by gently pulling on a branch; excessive needle loss signals a fire hazard.
• Remove trees promptly after the holidays once they become dry.

Fire officials warned that if a Christmas tree ignites, residents should leave the building immediately, noting that a fire can engulf an entire room in less than one minute.

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue encourages residents to review fire safety plans, ensure smoke alarms are working properly, and prioritize prevention to keep the holiday season safe.