Www.wkrn.com – Colleen Guerry – 2024-12-22 09:00:00. SUMMARY: During the holidays, there is a 50% increased risk of house fires, often due to overloaded sockets, unattended candles, and cooking mishaps. An analysis by Anidjar & Levine highlighted that Alaska has the highest fire death rate, followed by North Dakota and Wyoming. Factors include harsh climates and outdated infrastructure. Tennessee ranks fourth, with cooking fires prevalent during family gatherings. The holiday season, while festive, poses significant fire hazards; thus, safety measures such as checking smoke alarms and cautious decorating are crucial. The U.S. Fire Administration emphasizes avoiding candle risks and ensuring safe distances for decorations and heating sources.