As Halloween draws near, the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) is urging residents to keep safety at the forefront during their celebrations. Recognizing both the joy and potential dangers of the season, the SFMO highlights that the National Fire Protection Association has identified decorations as the primary cause of holiday fires, annually contributing to an average of 790 home structure fires, as reported by the Washington State Patrol.
Last year, Halloween in Washington State saw 79 fire incidents with nearly a third being structure fires, which underscores the need for precaution. While costumes, candy, and pumpkins are the images that dance in children's minds, safety must be the silent sentinel that parents and guardians evoke. Reflecting on past incidents, the SFMO advocates for costumes that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant and advises avoiding those with long, trailing fabric that could easily catch fire, as per the Washington State Patrol. They also recommend the use of battery-operated candles or LED lights, which can emulate the flickering life of a candle without its hungry, destructive flame.
In addition to costume and decoration guidelines, the SFMO recommends keeping all decor at a safe distance from open flames and heat sources. Proper lighting is essential, not just for ambiance but safety—it illuminates walkways and ensures that goblins and superheroes alike do not stumble into the night's unseen perils. And for those choosing to celebrate away from the safety of their haunted abodes, identifying two escape routes in the event of a fire is crucial, the Washington State Patrol noted.
The importance of functional smoke alarms cannot be overstated—they are readily installed yet often forgotten sentinels against the smoke and flames that may arise. When the tradition of placing candles in jack-o-lanterns calls, the SFMO suggests reaching for long matches or utility lighters, keeping this ritual a safe distance from the joyful chaos of trick-or-treaters parading on doorsteps, walkways, and yards, where the dance of flame should never meet the rustle of paper and the crush of leaves underfoot.
