All of the plugs you put into outlets over the next several weeks could put you in line for a visit from your local fire department. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that more than half of all Christmas tree fires between 2015 and 2019 were started because of electrical distribution or lighting equipment. One in five fires involving home decorations during the course of the year takes place during the month of December. That does not even include the nearly 25,000 fires caused every year by space heaters placed inside of homes during the cold, winter months. Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald says there are some things you can do to keep your home safe this holiday season.

The Ephraim Fire Department keeps track of its fire calls during the holiday season with a wreath. The goal is to keep the wreath green the entire season, with red lights representing local structure fires and green lights representing no incidents. Ephraim’s wreath has remained green each of the last six years.