Highland Fire Department

Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. As you deck the halls this holiday season, Highland Fire Chief Glenn Schlesser urges residents to be fire smart and decorate wisely. 

Decorate wisely

• Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources (fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents).
• Use clips or hooks — not nails or staples — to hang lights, so wiring insulation is not damaged.

Use lights and electrical items safely

• Inspect light strands, cords and bulbs each year; discard any with exposed wires, cracked sockets, missing insulation or loose connections.
• Use lights designated for indoor or outdoor use appropriately — don’t mix.
• Unplug all decorative lights and turn them off when leaving home or going to bed.

Christmas tree safety

• If you use a live tree, make sure it’s fresh (green needles, not dropping excessively) and keep it well-watered daily.
• Place the tree at least three feet from all heat sources and ensure it doesn’t block exits.
• After the holidays or when it begins to drop needles, dispose of the tree promptly — dried-out trees are a serious fire hazard.

Candle & flame precautions

• Consider using battery-operated “flameless” candles, especially near decorations or where children/pets are present.
• If you use real candles, always place them on stable, non-combustible holders, away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.

Cooking & entertaining safely

• With larger gatherings and heavier cooking, stay alert. The holiday season brings heightened risk for home cooking fires.
• Keep combustible items (kitchen towels, oven mitts, boxes) away from stovetops and hot surfaces. Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• Remind guests of fire-escape plans, test smoke alarms, and make sure exits remain clear.