Holiday Fire Safety Tips for Commercial Properties

The holiday season brings festive décor, company celebrations, and year-end cheer—but it also brings elevated fire risks for commercial properties. Office spaces, retail stores, warehouses, and other facilities are especially vulnerable during this time, when seasonal decorations, temporary heating equipment, and increased electrical loads converge.

By recognizing the hazards and taking proactive steps, building managers and safety leaders can ensure a safer, compliant season for everyone who enters their facility.

Know the Risks in Commercial Settings

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports a significant uptick in structure fires during the winter holidays:

• Holiday decorations cause an average of 832 structure fires annually, leading to $17 million in damages.
• 43% of Christmas tree fires involve electrical lighting equipment.
• Nearly 25% of tree fires start with lamps or bulbs; 12% start with candles.
• Most fires begin in common areas—such as lobbies, lounges, and break rooms where people gather and decorations are concentrated.

These stats aren’t just for homes—they apply in offices, public buildings, and commercial spaces where holiday safety is often overlooked.

1. Holiday Lighting: Safe Setup in Shared Spaces

Inspect all decorative lighting for damage before use. Frayed wires, cracked sockets, and overburdened outlets are common fire starters. Only use commercial-grade extension cords and UL-listed light strands rated for indoor or outdoor use, depending on location.

Use surge protectors and ensure all decorative lighting is turned off at the end of each business day.

2. Artificial Trees and Decor: A Smarter Choice for Businesses

While real trees are festive, they introduce added fire risk, especially in high-traffic areas. Artificial trees labeled flame-retardant are a safer alternative for commercial use. If you do use a live tree, ensure it’s hydrated daily and placed away from radiators, HVAC vents, and electrical panels.

3. Portable Heaters: Control the Climate, Not the Risk

Space heaters can be helpful in drafty offices or remote corners of a facility—but only when used responsibly. Select models with automatic shutoff, overheat protection, and tip-over sensors. Never plug a space heater into a power strip or leave it running unattended.

4. Candle-Free Zones: Flameless Is the Future

Candles may be part of holiday traditions, but they’re not appropriate for professional environments. A knocked-over taper in a lobby or employee kitchen could lead to disaster. Opt instead for battery-powered, flickering LED candles that offer the same warm glow without the risk.

5. Facility Cleanliness: Clutter-Free Means Fire-Safe

Excess wrapping paper, dry wreaths, cardboard boxes, and discarded decorations can quickly become fuel. Dispose of materials promptly, and ensure exits, extinguishers, and emergency lighting remain clearly visible and unobstructed. Enforce the 3-foot clearance rule for all heating sources.

Partner with CertaSite for Proactive Protection

At CertaSite, we understand that managing life safety systems across multiple facilities isn’t a seasonal task—it’s a year-round responsibility. But during the holidays, the risks increase and the margin for error shrinks. Our certified technicians offer inspection, maintenance, and system upgrades to ensure your building is prepared for both festive activity and potential emergencies.

If you're not sure your fire protection systems are ready for the holiday season, let’s change that. Contact us to schedule a professional fire safety inspection or learn how we can support your life safety strategy.