5 Ways to Prevent Electrical Fires During the Holidays
The holidays are supposed to be filled with twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and festive cheer—not emergency calls to the fire department. Yet winter months see a significant spike in home fires, with December, January, and February accounting for a large portion of residential fire incidents. Many of these fires stem from electrical problems that homeowners could have prevented with simple precautions.
As licensed electricians serving Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and the Front Range, we respond to more electrical emergencies during the holidays than any other time of year. The combination of overloaded circuits, aging decorations, and outdoor lighting installations creates the perfect storm for electrical hazards. Understanding these risks—and knowing how to avoid them—can keep your family safe and your holidays stress-free.
Understanding Holiday Electrical Fire Risks
Before we dive into prevention, it's important to understand what you're up against. Electrical issues cause roughly one-third of Christmas tree fires, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Extension cords, overloaded outlets, and outdoor lighting all contribute to elevated fire risk during December.
Colorado's unique climate adds another layer of complexity. Our extreme temperature swings—from frigid mornings to warmer afternoons—cause electrical connections to expand and contract, potentially loosening wires over time. Combined with our dry winter air, even a small electrical spark can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.
1. Inspect Every String of Lights Before Hanging
That box of Christmas lights from last year might look fine at first glance, but hidden damage can turn decorations into fire hazards. Before you hang a single bulb, carefully examine every strand for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections.
What to look for:
Exposed copper wiring or damaged insulation
Broken or missing bulbs
Loose plugs that don't fit snugly into outlets
Scorch marks or discoloration on cords
Brittle or stiff wiring that's lost its flexibility
If you spot any of these issues, throw the lights away. It's not worth risking your home to save $15 on a new strand of lights. Also verify that your lights are UL-listed—this certification means they've been tested for safety standards.
Pro tip for Denver homeowners: Outdoor lights must be rated for exterior use. Indoor lights aren't weatherproof and can become electrical hazards when exposed to Colorado's snow, ice, and temperature extremes. Check the packaging or cord tags to confirm you're using the right lights for each location.
2. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets and Circuits
This is where many Denver-area homeowners run into trouble. Those extra decorations, the inflatable yard display, multiple strands of lights, and the electric menorah or candelabra can quickly overwhelm your home's electrical system—especially if you live in an older home built before modern electrical demands.
Most residential circuits are rated for 15 or 20 amps. When you exceed that capacity, you're asking for trouble: tripped breakers at best, electrical fires at worst.
Practical guidelines to stay safe:
Plug only one high-wattage decoration into each outlet
Don't daisy-chain extension cords together—this is a major fire hazard
Limit yourself to connecting three light strands end-to-end maximum
Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers for additional protection
Consider putting outdoor displays on timers to reduce total daily electrical load
If your circuit breakers trip repeatedly when you turn on holiday decorations, that's your electrical system telling you there's a problem. Don't ignore it. This could indicate insufficient circuit capacity, faulty wiring, or overloaded outlets—all issues that require professional attention.
3. Keep Your Christmas Tree Watered and Away from Heat
Electrical problems are a leading cause of Christmas tree fires, but the tree itself becomes part of the fire equation once it starts drying out. A dried-out tree is essentially kindling waiting for a spark—and Christmas lights provide plenty of potential ignition sources.
Essential tree safety steps:
Check water daily and refill the tree stand whenever the water level drops below the base of the trunk
Keep your tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heat vents, and candles
Position the tree away from high-traffic areas where someone might accidentally knock it over or damage electrical connections
Plan to remove your tree within four weeks of bringing it home, as even well-watered trees become fire hazards after this point
If using an artificial tree, verify that it's labeled as fire-resistant
For Front Range residents heating with forced air systems, that warm, dry air accelerates how quickly your tree dries out. Check the needles regularly—if they're falling off easily or the branches feel brittle, it's time for the tree to go, regardless of the date.
4. Use Outdoor Extension Cords Properly
Extension cords are convenient, but they're also one of the most misused electrical devices during the holidays. Thousands of residential fires originate from extension cords annually, and improper holiday usage is a major contributor.
Extension cord safety rules:
Always use outdoor-rated cords for exterior decorations—they're designed to withstand moisture, UV exposure, and temperature extremes that would damage indoor cords
Check the amp rating and never exceed it by plugging in too many devices
Never run extension cords under rugs, through doorways, or across high-traffic walkways where they can be damaged
Don't staple or nail cords to walls or surfaces—this can pierce the insulation and create shock and fire hazards
Unplug cords when not in use to reduce electrical load and eliminate standby power risks
Temperature fluctuations in Colorado can make extension cords brittle over time. Before using cords stored in your garage or shed, flex them gently and inspect for cracks in the insulation. If the rubber or plastic feels stiff or shows any damage, replace the cord before using it.
5. Schedule a Professional Electrical Safety Inspection
Holiday electrical problems often reveal underlying issues with your home's electrical system that exist year-round but only become obvious when you increase the electrical load. An electrical safety inspection before the holidays can identify potential hazards and prevent emergency situations.
What a professional electrician checks:
Electrical panel capacity and condition—ensuring your home can safely handle holiday electrical demands
GFCI outlet functionality in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas where holiday decorations are commonly used
Outlet and switch conditions, looking for loose connections, damage, or signs of overheating
Circuit breaker performance to ensure they'll trip properly if overloaded
Wiring integrity, especially in older Denver-area homes where outdated electrical systems may not meet current safety codes
Licensed electricians also evaluate whether your home would benefit from additional circuits dedicated to high-demand areas, upgraded panels to handle modern electrical loads, or arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) that provide enhanced protection against electrical fires.
Additional Money-Saving Tip: LED Lights Cut Energy Costs
While safety is the priority, there's a bonus benefit to upgrading your holiday lighting: LED lights use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. For Denver homeowners running outdoor displays throughout December, this can mean significant savings on your electrical bill.
LED lights also run much cooler than incandescent bulbs, reducing fire risk and making them safer for use on Christmas trees and near combustible decorations. They last longer too, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over the years.
When to Call an Emergency Electrician
Some situations require immediate professional attention. Contact a licensed electrician right away if you notice:
Burning smells from outlets, switches, or electrical panels
Sparking when plugging in or unplugging holiday decorations
Outlets or switches that feel warm or hot to the touch
Lights that dim significantly when you turn on holiday decorations
Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly, even after reducing electrical load
Discolored or scorched outlets or switch plates
These warning signs indicate dangerous electrical problems that won't resolve on their own and could lead to electrical fires if ignored.
Keep Your Holidays Safe and Bright
Holiday electrical safety doesn't require sacrificing the festive atmosphere you love—it just means being smart about how you decorate. A few minutes spent inspecting lights, managing electrical loads, and following proper installation practices can prevent devastating fires and keep your family safe throughout the season.
Concerned about your home's electrical system this holiday season? Deuce Electric's licensed electricians provide comprehensive electrical safety inspections and repairs throughout Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Englewood, Littleton, and the entire Front Range.
Contact us for a professional assessment or if you're experiencing any electrical issues with your holiday decorations. We're here to help with expert advice, prompt service, and electrical solutions that keep your home safe all season long.
