The simplest Halloween fire safety plan is to use flameless candles in jack-o-lanterns, keep dried cornstalks, hay and paper decorations away from heat and lights, choose costumes labeled flame resistant, keep every exit clear of decorations and check outdoor cords before plugging them in. NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration both recommend these basic steps.
Halloween is a big night in the south metro. Cul-de-sacs in Highlands Ranch and Parker fill up with trick-or-treaters, porches in Littleton and Englewood get decked out and plenty of families in Centennial and Castle Rock go all out with yard displays.
Most of the fun is harmless. But a lot of classic Halloween decor (dry straw, paper, fabric and real candles) burns easily, and it tends to end up right next to front doors, porches and walkways. A few small choices keep the night fun and your home safe.
Are real candles in jack-o-lanterns safe?
Flameless candles are the safer choice, and it’s what NFPA recommends for jack-o-lanterns and luminaries. Battery-operated LED candles and glow sticks give you the same glow without an open flame sitting next to costumes and dry leaves.
Trick-or-treaters bring a lot of loose fabric right up to your steps. Capes, long skirts and flowing sleeves can brush against a pumpkin without the kid ever noticing. If you do use a real candle, follow these basics.
- Use a long fireplace lighter or match to light it
- Set pumpkins on a sturdy, flat surface away from walkways and doorsteps
- Keep them away from curtains, porch furniture and other decorations
- Never leave a lit candle unattended, and blow it out before bed
How should I place dried cornstalks, hay bales and paper decorations?
Dried cornstalks, straw, hay bales and crepe paper are some of the most flammable decorations you can put out. The U.S. Fire Administration advises keeping them well away from open flames, light bulbs, heaters and other heat sources.
In practice, that means a few simple rules.
- Keep hay bales and cornstalks away from porch lights, spotlights and heat lamps.
- Don’t wrap string lights through dry straw or cornstalks.
- Keep decorations away from grills, fire pits and outdoor heaters.
- Store paper and fabric decorations away from furnaces and water heaters when they’re not in use.
- Toss dried-out displays once the season is over instead of storing them in the garage.
Why does Colorado’s dry fall weather matter for Halloween decor?
The Front Range has a semi-arid climate, and our air is dry most of the year. That means cornstalks, straw, fallen leaves and paper decorations dry out fast once they’re outside. Something that looked green and fresh at the start of October can be brittle by Halloween night.
Many homes across Arapahoe and Douglas counties have covered front porches, wood decks and landscaping right up against the house. A display piled against siding or under a porch overhang puts dry fuel close to the structure itself. Leave some space between decorations and your walls, and rake dry leaves away from where pumpkins and lights sit.
Our fall weather can also swing quickly, with windy days mixed in. Wind can tip over a lit pumpkin or blow paper decorations into a candle, which is one more reason flameless options make sense here.
Inside, many south metro homes use a basement or lower level for Halloween parties. If that’s your plan, keep decorations away from the furnace and water heater, and make sure the basement stairway and any egress window are clear.
What should I look for on a costume label?
When you buy a costume, wig or accessory, check for a label that says flame resistant. Flame resistant doesn’t mean fireproof, but it means the fabric resists burning and should extinguish quickly if it catches.
NFPA also suggests a few costume habits that lower the risk.
- Avoid long, billowing fabric and trailing capes, or shorten them
- Give kids flashlights or glow sticks instead of candles
- Make sure masks have eye holes big enough to see clearly
- Teach kids to stop, drop and roll if their clothing ever catches fire
Homemade costumes are a great tradition. Just steer toward heavier, tighter-weave fabrics rather than loose, sheer or fluffy materials.
How do I keep exits clear with Halloween decorations?
This one gets overlooked every year. NFPA reminds families to keep decorations away from exits, so nothing blocks your way out in an emergency. Front doors are the most decorated spot in the house, and they’re also a main escape route.
Use this quick checklist before the big night.
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Front door and porch | Doors open fully, and no hay bales or props block the path |
| Hallways and stairs | Clear of props, cords and fabric decorations |
| Basement stairs and egress windows | Nothing stacked in front of them for a party |
| Smoke alarms | Not covered by cobwebs, fabric or hanging decorations |
| Walkways | Well lit, with cords secured so no one trips |
Fake cobwebs and draped fabric love to end up on ceilings. Keep them off smoke alarms so the alarm can sense smoke if it ever needs to.
How do I use outdoor Halloween lights and cords safely?
Outdoor lighting makes a display pop, but damaged or overloaded cords can overheat. The U.S. Fire Administration advises checking lights and cords every time you put them up.
- Use only lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use.
- Inspect every strand for frayed wires, cracked sockets or loose connections, and throw out damaged ones.
- Don’t overload outlets or connect too many strands end to end. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t run cords under rugs, through doorways or where they’ll be pinched.
- Turn off outdoor lights and inflatables when you go to bed or leave the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LED candles safe to leave on overnight? Battery-operated LED candles don’t have an open flame, so they’re much safer than real candles. Still, follow the manufacturer’s directions and turn off decorations when nobody is around to keep an eye on things.
Can I use indoor string lights outside for Halloween? It’s best not to. Use lights and cords labeled for outdoor use, since they’re built to handle weather and moisture.
What does flame resistant mean on a costume? It means the fabric resists burning and should put itself out quickly if it catches. It doesn’t mean the costume can’t burn, so keep kids away from candles and open flames.
Where should I put hay bales and cornstalks? Keep them away from candles, porch lights, heaters and fire pits, and never block a door or walkway with them. Give them some space from siding and wood decks too.
Enjoy the night, and know who to call
A few easy swaps, like flameless candles and clear exits, keep Halloween about candy and costumes. If a fire ever does happen in your home, our Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration team and IICRC-certified technicians are here to help you through cleanup and recovery. Call Best Option Restoration of Denver Area South 24/7.