Yakima firefighters responded to hundreds of structure fire calls this year - many at people's homes.
Fire officials are urging the public to follow safety precautions to avoid cooking and electrical fires this holiday season.
As holiday lights go up, and festive decorations adorn homes, it's also a peak time for fires. Cold winter months mean more electrical use - and plugging in things that could overload your circuit system.
"We've had problems with people who store combustible clothing, papers, firewood, things like that too close and they can start fires," said Captain Tom Schneider of the Yakima Fire Department (YFD).
Fire officials recommend a three-foot distance for candles, space heaters, and anything flammable.