Halloween Fire Safety Tips

Incline Village, NV — As Halloween approaches, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) encourages families to take a few simple precautions to help keep decorations, costumes and trick-or-treating safe.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that an average of 835 home structure fires per year began with decorations between 2020 and 2024. Nearly half of those fires involved decorations placed too close to a heat source, and about one-third were started by candles.

NLTFPD recommends these fire safety tips:

Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations.
Keep decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
Choose costumes without long, trailing fabric. If a costume includes a mask, make sure the eye openings allow the wearer to see clearly.
Give children flashlights or add glow sticks to their costumes so they can see and be seen.
Teach children to stay away from open flames, including candles in jack-o’-lanterns.
Keep decorations clear of doors and other exits so they do not block escape routes.
Check that smoke alarms are working.

A Message From NLTFPD

“Taking a few minutes to check decorations, costumes and smoke alarms can help families enjoy a safer Halloween,” said Fire Marshal John James.

Learn More & Stay Informed

For more Halloween fire safety information, visit: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/halloween

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