Iowa Fire Chief Urges Holiday Safety as Fire Risks Rise in December

The glow of holiday lights and decorated trees is a seasonal favorite, but fire officials are reminding Iowans to take extra precautions—especially if a real tree is part of the celebration.

Webster City Fire Chief Chuck Stansfield says fresh-cut trees require daily attention. That means keeping them well-watered and turning off the lights when you’re away, or using a timer to prevent overheating.

“As we get further into the season, they do start to dry out and that’s where things can get really, really concerning,” Stansfield says. “If we leave lights on too long, if they get hot, if the electrical outlets are overloaded… we want to try to spread that out amongst a lot of different outlets, not try to load just one up.”

Stansfield also warns that other popular holiday traditions can pose risks if not handled carefully.

“We’re having big parties and people over and we want the house to smell festive,” he says. “Be careful with candles. Make sure if they’re not going to be supervised, go ahead and blow them out.”

For outdoor decorating, Stansfield recommends replacing old or worn-out lights, especially if cords appear cracked or frayed.

“If they show a wire, that’s of course the first and foremost concern. Make sure you go ahead and replace those,” he says.

The chief adds that LED lights are a safer choice because they stay cooler, use less electricity, and allow multiple strands to be connected to a single outlet.