Preventing Holiday Fires

Holiday Fire Safety: Tips from the San Antonio Fire Department

The holidays are here! Lights, decorations, delicious meals, and cozy evenings make the season special—but they also bring extra fire risks. Joe Harrington from the San Antonio Fire Department shares his top safety tips for keeping your home festive and safe this season.

1. Frying a Turkey (Yes, Safely!)

South Texans love fried foods, but frying a turkey can quickly turn dangerous if you’re not careful:

• Always cook on a hard, flat surface—like a driveway. Never on wood decks.
• Keep fryers at least 10 feet from your house, trees, patios, or carports.
• Have a fire extinguisher ready—never use water on an oil fire.
• Measure your oil by filling the pot with water and the turkey first; that’s how much oil to use.
• Plan ahead—don’t pour oil while the fryer is hot. Overflowing oil = fire hazard.

Remember: predictable is preventable. Fry safely, and your home (and the fire department) will thank you.

2. Kitchen Safety: Keep Extra Cooks Out

Too many cooks in the kitchen can lead to chaos, grease fires, and burns.

• Let the primary cooks do the work. Others can hang out, watch the game, or visit.
• Stay attentive while cooking and keep flammable items away from stoves.

Calm kitchens mean better food, safer families, and fewer fire alarms going off.

3. Holiday Decorating Safety

Decorations are fun—but they can be hazardous if misused:

• Outdoor lights go outdoors; indoor lights stay indoors.
• Always check for the UL safety tag on lights before use.
• Don’t overload outlets—too many plugs can overheat, short out, and cause fires.

Decorate smartly, and your holidays stay bright without burning your budget—or your house.

4. Candle Safety

Candles are cozy, but they must be monitored:

• Never leave a candle unattended or in a room where you’re not present.
• Keep them away from curtains, blankets, or other flammable items.
• Use timers or phone reminders to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

Simple steps prevent accidental fires and keep your home merry and safe.

5. Christmas Tree Safety

Trees bring holiday cheer, but only when handled correctly:

• Artificial trees: Check for frayed wires or shorts before decorating.
• Real trees: Keep the stand filled with water daily. Dry trees ignite easily.
• Set reminders for yourself or family members to check the water each day.

A well-watered, inspected tree = a safer, happier holiday.

6. Home Heating Safety

Even in South Texas, chilly nights call for space heaters—but they need caution:

• Unplug space heaters when leaving the room.
• Keep at least three feet of clearance around the heater from blankets, curtains, and furniture.
• Keep kids and pets away from heaters at all times.

Again, predictable is preventable. Unplugged and clear = cozy and safe.

The Bottom Line

• Fry safely
• Limit extra cooks• Decorate responsibly
• Watch your candles
• Keep trees watered and inspected
• Use space heaters carefully

Follow these tips, and your home can stay safe while you enjoy the season.

For more fire-safety tips and helpful videos, visit FireSafeSA.com.