Halloween is filled with spooky fun, but it also presents fire hazards that can quickly turn the festive holiday into a frightening experience.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated average of 835 home structure fires each year between 2020 and 2024 involved decorations. Those fires resulted in three deaths, 29 injuries and $18 million in direct property damage. Nearly half of the fires occurred because decorations were placed too close to a heat source, while about one-third were started by candles.

With those risks in mind, the NFPA encourages residents to take simple precautions to help ensure a fire-safe Halloween.

“From decorating with jack-o’-lanterns to costume parties and trick-or-treating, Halloween includes a host of celebrations and activities that introduce the risk of fire,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at the NFPA. “Fortunately, the vast majority of these risks can be prevented with a little added awareness and caution.”

The NFPA offers the following Halloween fire-safety tips:

• Keep dried flowers, cornstalks, crepe paper and other decorations away from open flames, light bulbs, heaters and other heat sources. Keep exits clear so decorations do not block escape routes.

• Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns. If using real candles, place them well away from anything that can burn and out of the path of trick-or-treaters.

• Avoid long, trailing costume fabric that can easily catch fire. If a child wears a mask, make sure the eye openings are large enough to allow clear vision.

• Give children flashlights or glow sticks to help them see and be seen.

• Test smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly.