Fire officials in Illinois are alerting residents to a heightened risk of fires as the holiday season kicks off. Candles, decorative lights, and Christmas trees raise fire hazards this time of year, with a significant number of home fires started by unattended flames or decorations placed too close to heat sources.
Experts recommend keeping trees well-watered, opting for flame-resistant décor, never leaving candles unattended, and being vigilant with lights and outlets. The Keep the Wreath Red campaign continues, representing lives lost to fire with white bulbs in place of red—each one a reminder to make fire safety a priority this holiday season. In 2024, 12 people in Illinois lost their lives in fire related incidents during the holiday season.
