The winter season brings plenty of activity to commercial properties. Heating equipment runs nonstop, decorations start popping up across campuses, and foot traffic increases as employees and visitors move through entryways and common areas. It’s a festive time of year, but it also comes with an elevated risk of fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), winter is one of the highest-risk periods for structure fires. Heating systems, holiday décor, electrical issues, candles, and winter storms all contribute to that spike. That’s why NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration have partnered to share practical steps that organizations can take to reduce fire risk and protect people and property.
For facility managers, this season is all about staying proactive. Below are key reminders tailored for commercial properties, multi-building operations, and any location managing high-traffic common areas.
Holiday Decorations: Small Details Matter
Holiday decorations can turn into hazards quickly when they’re placed near heat sources or overloaded electrical connections. The NFPA reports that more than one-third of December decoration fires start with candles alone, and the top days for candle-related fires are Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
In commercial buildings or retail spaces, keep the basics front and center:
• Maintain at least 12 inches of clearance between candles and anything that can burn.
• Follow manufacturer instructions when connecting light strands and avoid daisy-chaining beyond recommended limits.
• Replace worn electrical cords immediately, especially around entrances or fuel islands where moisture and salt are present.
• For retail and food service operations, verify that decorations do not block exits or emergency equipment.
Even small lapses in a high-traffic facility can turn a harmless decoration into a major risk.
Christmas Trees and Greenery: Manage Placement and Heat
Tree fires aren’t common, but when they do happen, they are extremely dangerous. NFPA data shows that 1 in every 45 reported Christmas-tree fires results in a death.
Key precautions for facilities and public-facing operations include:
• Keep trees and greenery at least 3 feet from heaters, radiators, space heaters, and HVAC vents.
• Make sure nothing obstructs exit paths or emergency signage.
• Schedule regular checks for dryness, especially in lobby areas that run warm.
• Remove trees promptly after holidays or when they become dry.
If your building experiences fluctuating humidity due to winter storms, trees can dry out faster than expected.
Heating Equipment: A Top Winter Risk
Heating remains one of the primary fire risks for commercial buildings in winter. As temperatures drop and systems run harder, maintenance teams should stay ahead of:
• Space heaters temporarily placed in offices or retail spaces
• Overworked radiators and boilers
• Gas-powered equipment in workshops or maintenance areas
• Heating units located near storage rooms, cardboard stacks, or seasonal decorations
A heat source too close to a combustible material causes 1 in every 4 winter fires, according to NFPA data.
This is also a good time of year to inspect concrete areas near heating exhaust vents, such as sidewalks, fuel islands, or loading zones. Heat and freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate cracking, which may expose utilities and create additional hazards.
Electrical Safety: Prevent Overloads and Moisture Problems
Winter storms and cold weather increase strain on electrical systems. For facility teams, the focus should be on keeping moisture away from connections, ensuring cords aren’t pinched under furniture, and avoiding overloaded power strips.
Salt and deicing chemicals tracked in from outside can also accelerate wear on electrical cords or fixtures on porous concrete surfaces. Routine wiping, re-inspecting, and replacing damaged cords can prevent failures before they occur.
Don’t Forget Carbon Monoxide Awareness
In winter, engines, furnaces, and generators run harder and longer. That increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, particularly in:
• Back-of-house areas
• Mechanical rooms
• Maintenance bays
• Spaces where fuel-burning equipment is operated
Ensure vents are clear, detectors are working, and employees know the signs of CO exposure.
Facility Managers Keep Buildings Running Safely
Winter may introduce more fire hazards, but with proactive checks and informed teams, facility managers can drastically reduce the risk. The holidays bring more people, more equipment, and more activity into your building. A few extra precautions now can prevent costly downtime, structural damage, and safety incidents later.
For more winter safety guidance, NFPA and USFA offer detailed resources at:
• www.usfa.fema.gov/winter
• www.nfpa.org/winter
