DENVER, Colo. (Nov. 19, 2025) — Home fires increase significantly during the holiday months, often sparked by cooking accidents, unattended candles or unsafe decorations. In November and December 2024 alone, American Red Cross of Colorado volunteers responded to 65 fires, assisting more than 200 people.
The Red Cross urges everyone to take simple steps to stay safe while celebrating – from keeping a close eye on what’s cooking to checking holiday lights and decorations for hazards. By taking precautions now, families can help prevent tragedies and enjoy a safer, happier holiday season.
"One in five people the Red Cross assists after home fires are helped during the holiday months," said Andrea Miller, regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. "Home fires can strike quickly, leaving you with as little as two minutes to escape. Help protect your loved ones by practicing your home fire escape drill until everyone can get out in less than two minutes."
COOKING SAFETY TIPS
Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.
HOLIDAY DECORATING AND HEATING SAFETY
December is the peak month for candle fires – which cause about 20 home fires a day on average in the U.S. – and heating equipment remains one of the leading causes of home fires.
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES
Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,489 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on X at @RedCross.
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