According to the National Fire Protection Association, home
fires that began when holiday decorations caught fire caused an average of
three civilian deaths, 34 civilian fire injuries and $12 million in direct
property damage per year from 2013 to 2017.
In 44 percent of these fires, the decoration was too close
to a heat source. The NFPA says to ensure that decorations are kept at least
three feet away from heat sources, especially candles. Fifty-seven percent of
December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to 32 percent
in January through November. In addition, December is also the peak month for
candle fires as sixty percent of home candle fires started because a flammable
item was too close to the candle. In 13 percent of the fires, the candle was
left unattended or abandoned. The NFPA reminds everyone to never leave candles
unattended while burning inside your home.