Injured in a Holiday Decoration Fire in Texas? What to Know

Holiday decorations are meant to bring warmth, joy, and color to homes across Texas each December. From twinkling lights and festive inflatables to candles and space heaters, seasonal décor helps set the mood for celebrations with family and friends. Unfortunately, when safety precautions are overlooked, these same decorations can quickly become dangerous.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, an estimated 832 home fires occur each year due to holiday decorations, including 145 fires involving Christmas trees. These incidents can lead to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and even loss of life. Understanding the most common causes of holiday fires—and knowing who may be legally responsible—can help families stay safe and protect their rights.

Common Sources of Holiday Fires

Holiday-related fires often stem from everyday items that are used improperly or without adequate inspection. Below are some of the most frequent causes seen during the Christmas season.

Faulty or Damaged Lights

Holiday lights are one of the leading contributors to seasonal fires. Frayed wires, cracked insulation, or exposed electrical components can spark or overheat, even in low-voltage strands. The risk increases when lights designed for indoor use are placed outdoors or when multiple strings are connected beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limit.

Before decorating, lights should be inspected carefully. Any strand showing signs of wear should be discarded immediately.

Overloaded Outlets and Extension Cords

Overloaded outlets are another common hazard during the holidays. Plugging too many decorations into a single outlet or relying on cheap or worn extension cords can cause overheating within seconds. Many homeowners assume their electrical systems can handle the added load, but older wiring may not be equipped for the surge in power demand.

Using power strips with built-in surge protection and spacing out electrical loads can significantly reduce fire risk.

Space Heaters

As temperatures drop, space heaters become a popular way to stay warm. However, poorly maintained or low-quality heaters pose a serious fire risk. Heaters placed too close to curtains, furniture, wrapping paper, or Christmas trees can ignite surrounding materials almost instantly.

Older models without automatic shut-off features or heaters with faulty wiring are particularly dangerous—especially when left unattended.

Candles and Other Open Flames

Candles may add ambiance, but they also introduce open flames into spaces filled with flammable decorations. Candles left unattended or placed near curtains, holiday décor, or Christmas trees can easily start a fire. Homes with children or pets face an even higher risk, as a candle can be knocked over in an instant.

For many families, battery-operated or electric candles offer a much safer alternative.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Holiday Fires?

When a holiday fire causes injuries or property damage, determining liability is not always straightforward. Responsibility often depends on how the fire started and whether negligence or a defective product was involved.

Property Owners and Landlords

Property owners or landlords may be held liable if a fire resulted from unsafe conditions they failed to address. Examples include faulty wiring, exposed outlets, or known electrical hazards that were not repaired in a timely manner.

Manufacturers and Retailers

If a defective product—such as holiday lights, heaters, or extension cords—caused a fire, injured victims may be able to pursue a claim under Texas product liability laws. These claims may be brought against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers responsible for placing a dangerous product into the market.

Other Negligent Parties

In some cases, another individual’s negligence may be to blame. This could include neighbors, contractors, or third parties whose careless actions caused a fire to spread. Evidence such as fire investigation reports, witness statements, and product documentation plays a critical role in identifying fault.

Safety Tips for Decorating This Holiday Season

Taking simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of holiday fires:

• Avoid using candles near Christmas trees or decorations

• Inspect lights for frayed wires or damage before use

• Choose electric or battery-operated candles instead of real flames

• Use extension cords rated for outdoor use when decorating outside

• Keep decorations away from heat sources and exits

A few preventive steps can help ensure the holidays remain joyful—and fire-free.

Christmas Fire Injury? Call Shaw.

No one expects a festive celebration to end in injury or loss. If you or a loved one was injured in a holiday-related fire caused by someone else’s negligence anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Ambulance and emergency transport

• ER treatment and hospitalization

• Surgeries and ongoing medical care

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Lost wages or missed work

• Wrongful death damages

• And more

At Carabin Shaw, we understand how devastating these accidents can be—especially during what should be a joyful time of year. Our team is here to help you understand your legal options at no cost.

📞 Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use our live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our personal injury attorneys. No fees. No obligations. Just experienced legal guidance from a firm that puts clients first.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹TDI