Plug in Christmas Decoration Kills Child In Lincoln, Rhode Island, a plug-in Christmas decoration at the base of a staircase was blamed for a house fire that killed a 7-year-old boy. Eight others were able to escape the blaze. Fire officials say the home was so utterly destroyed it may be impossible to tell if smoke alarms were working or not. (USA Today, 1-6-2009, p. 6A) – Free Holiday Safety Tips