WALLA WALLA—It’s that time of year when the temperature drops, the days get shorter and there is a buzz in the air about the upcoming holiday season. For those preparing to celebrate the holidays, the Walla Walla Fire Department would like to remind you to take steps to help ensure the safety of your home and family.

As the winter months settle in, and particularly around the holiday season, the number of structure fires tends to increase. This upsurge, typically starting around Thanksgiving and stretching through the new year, is due to unintentional and mostly avoidable accidents.

Thi...