For most people, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer, but few consider that the holiday season can bring an increased risk of home fires.

According to the Redmond Fire Department, many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of U.S. home fires, including cooking.

To help avoid these fires, City of Redmond Assistant Fire Marshals Todd Short and Lynn Sjolander will be sharing valuable fire-prevention information from 10-11 a.m. on Dec. 7 in the Fireplace Lounge of the Redmond Senior Center, at 8703 160th Ave. N.E., as part of the center’s First Friday Coffee Chat series.

Short and Sjolander have more than 50 years combined service to the city and will share practical tips on how to increase safety during the holiday season and beyond.

Registration for the chat is not necessary. For more information on the program, call (425) 556-2314. Complementary refreshments will be provided by Aegis of Redmond.