BALTIMORE, MD, Nov. 2, 2026 – The Baltimore City Fire Department and Red Cross of Central Maryland have launched a new home fire safety campaign to help families stay safe during the holiday season, a time when home fires increase significantly in Baltimore and across the country.

Thanksgiving and the December holidays are a peak time for home fires. As temperatures drop, the risk of home fire rises, and cooking and home heating equipment are two of the leading causes of home fires. One in five people the American Red Cross assists after home fires are helped during the holiday months.

Last year, in November and December alone, disaster response teams from the Red Cross of Central Maryland assisted hundreds of local residents impacted by close to 100 home fires – more than one fire per day.

The BCFD/Red Cross campaign features a video series that combines important home fire safety information with relatable, easy-to-understand messaging. The first of four videos is now available on social media. The Red Cross of Central Maryland and Baltimore City Fire Department will share the series, one video per week, throughout November.

The campaign will culminate Monday, Nov. 23, with a live home fire safety demonstration and media event at the Baltimore City Fire Department Training Academy.

Home fires are our nation's most frequent disaster, but taking simple steps can protect families and save lives. The BCFD/Red Cross video series highlights the importance of changing the batteries in your smoke alarms, keeping space heaters away from furniture, curtains and other flammable materials, not overloading extension cords and other essential safety tips.

“Home fires are the most frequent emergency that our disaster response team is called for here in Baltimore. Year after year, the Red Cross and our local fire department partners see a sharp increase in the number of times our phone rings as the winter holidays approach,” said Lenora Henry, executive director of the Red Cross of Central Maryland. “We're excited to collaborate with the Baltimore City Fire Department on this new video series that will reach local families at this critical time of year and help make everyone safer.”

“Every winter, our firefighters see firsthand how quickly a holiday celebration can turn into a tragedy, and most of the fires we respond to this time of year are preventable,” said Baltimore City Fire Chief James W. Wallace. “A working smoke alarm, a space heater kept three feet from anything that can burn, and a home escape plan your family has practiced can be the difference between a close call and a loss of life. We are proud to partner with the Red Cross to put these lifesaving messages in front of every Baltimore family before the holidays.”

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free and made possible by donations. Anyone with home fire or disaster-caused needs can call 1-800-RED CROSS to connect with the local, volunteer-led Red Cross disaster response team.

Across the U.S., the Red Cross responds to nearly 20% more home fires during November and December than at other times of the year, assisting an average of 40,000 people during these two months alone.

With more cooking, heating and holiday decorating this time of year, it's especially important for families to test their smoke alarms and practice their home fire escape plans. Learn more about how your family can prevent home fires, escape from a home fire in two minutes and recover after a home fire here.

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 follow us on social media.

About the Baltimore City Fire Department:

Established in 1859, the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) protects lives, property and the environment across Baltimore City. BCFD responds safely, effectively and promptly to emergencies, providing fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and marine fire rescue. Through its Office of the Fire Marshal and community risk reduction programs, the department works to prevent emergencies before they happen with fire prevention, public education and neighborhood outreach. BCFD members are guided by the core values of professionalism, integrity, accountability and respect. For more information, visit baltimorecity.gov/fire or follow BCFD on social media.

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