The holiday season in Northwest Arkansas brings sparkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the warmth of festive traditions. But it also brings a sharp increase in preventable house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December leads the year in home fires — many caused by Christmas trees, decorations, candles, and cooking mishaps.
For families in Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding communities, staying fire-safe is essential. Below are practical steps to protect your home this season, plus how our local damage restoration company can help with fire damage restoration, fire cleanup, water damage restoration, and flood cleanup if the unexpected happens.
Holiday Fire Safety Tips for a Safer Season
1. Christmas Tree Safety
A dry Christmas tree can go from festive to dangerous in seconds, and many calls for fire damage restoration start with preventable tree-related fires. Protect your home by keeping these tips in mind:
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Unplug your lights when you’re not home or when you head to bed.
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Choose a fresh, healthy tree that absorbs water well.
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Keep it watered daily to prevent it from drying out.
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Place the tree away from fireplaces, heaters, or vents.
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Use non-flammable ornaments and inspect lights for frayed wires.
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Avoid overcrowding outlets or daisy-chaining extension cords.
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Keep candles far from your tree, and monitor curious pets who may knock it over.
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Close bedroom doors at night to slow potential fire spread.
2. Holiday Lights & Electrical Safety
Decorative lights add holiday magic, but damaged wiring or overloaded outlets can quickly spark a fire.
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Check every strand for cracks, loose bulbs, or exposed wiring.
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Use timers to prevent overheating.
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Make sure outdoor lights are rated for exterior use.
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Use the right extension cord (indoor vs. outdoor).
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Replace old lights that show signs of wear.
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Never hang lights with staples or nails.
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Avoid overloading outlets — follow manufacturer guidelines.
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Store lights safely so wires don’t get damaged during the off-season.
3. Candle Safety
Candles may be part of your holiday tradition, but open flames require extra caution.
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Keep candles at least one foot away from anything flammable.
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Never leave candles burning unattended.
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Use sturdy, non-combustible candle holders.
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Consider flameless LED candles for a safer glow.
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Keep candles out of reach of kids and pets.
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Avoid placing candles near curtains or holiday decorations.
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Place them away from vents or drafts that could spread the flame.
4. Cooking Safety
Nearly half of holiday house fires start in the kitchen. Staying alert can dramatically reduce risks.
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Ensure smoke alarms are working and test them monthly.
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Avoid wearing loose sleeves that can brush against flames.
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Never leave active cooking unattended.
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Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from hot surfaces.
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Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup.
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Double-check all appliances before leaving the house.
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Keep a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-reach location.
Your Local Holiday Fire Damage Restoration Experts in Rogers & Bentonville
Even with careful planning, accidents can still happen — and when they do, you need a team you can trust.
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Rogers and Bentonville, we’re more than a restoration company. We’re your neighbors. Our local team provides compassionate, fast, and professional support after:
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Fire damage
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Smoke and soot damage
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Water damage from firefighting efforts
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Full-service restoration and repairs
We work directly with your insurance company, help you understand the restoration process, and make your home safe again — so you can focus on your family and recovery.
Need Emergency Restoration? We’re Here 24/7.
Call 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Rogers and Bentonville at 479-480-5070 for immediate fire or water damage help.
Our certified team is ready to restore your home — and your peace of mind — this holiday season.
