Over the five year period between 2015 and 2019, Oregon fire agencies reported 3,329 home fires during the months of November and December. Although they typically tend to be highlighted during the holiday season, candle fires accounted for just over one percent of all fires, while decorations, light strings, and Christmas tree fires accounted for less than one percent of all fires during the months of November and December in Oregon over the last five years. The two types of fires that impact Oregonians the most during the holiday season are chimney and cooking fires, accounting for almost half of all home fires.

Primary Fire Risks:

Chimney Fires accounted for 29% of all home fires and resulted in $3.6 million in estimated loss.

Cooking Fires accounted for 20% of all home fires and resulted in $3.4 million in estimated loss.

How to reduce these numbers:

Chimney Fires:

• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. It creates less creosote buildup in the chimney.
• Use only paper and kindling or fire starters to start a fire. Never use lighter fluid, kerosene, or gasoline to start a fire.

Cooking Fires:

• Heat cooking oil slowly and never leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your cooking area.
• Always keep a pan lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan, and turn off the burner. If you cannot extinguish the fire, get out and call 911.

*Information is based on incident response data provided by Oregon fire agencies during the time period indicated. Loss amounts are estimates made by on-scene firefighters and are not official insurance estimates.

Office of State Fire Marshall

Phone:  503-378-3473
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