Firefighters like J’Lin Strickland of Summerville Fire Rescue in South Carolina work through holidays such as Christmas to respond to elevated fire risks. National data confirms heightened dangers, with U.S. departments handling around 800 home fires annually from decorations alone, excluding Christmas trees. Strickland, serving as an engineer since at least 2019, embodies the dedication of first responders on duty.
Fire Risks
Holiday decorations spark about 835 home structure fires yearly, causing three deaths, 29 injuries, and $18 million in damage, often due to proximity to heat sources like candles. Christmas trees ignite in roughly 143 fires annually, leading to seven deaths, 13 injuries, and $15 million in losses. Cooking fires also surge, with Christmas Eve and Day ranking high for incidents.
First Responder Role
Strickland drives the crew, maintains equipment, and ensures operational readiness during shifts. He misses family events but views it as a chosen sacrifice, occasionally stopping by loved ones’ homes in the fire truck. South Carolina departments, including nearby ones, balance calls with community efforts like food drives for over 600 families.
Local Context
Summerville Fire Rescue actively engages the community, with staff like Engineer Ja’lin Strickland featured publicly. Regional fire districts host Santa runs on trucks, underscoring their holiday presence amid risks. No specific 2025 Christmas Day call data for Summerville emerged, but national trends align with the reported prompt response.
