Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Be it live or artificial, a Christmas tree still poses a great deal of fire risk.

One in every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death, meaning these fires are much more likely to be deadly than most other fires.

“If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk.

Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, heat vents, radiators, candles and even lights.

Before the man in red arrives, fire officials want to ensure you don’t get a visit from first responders.

Real trees also need to be watered daily, sometimes with up to a litre of water to avoid dryness. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections.

While Jones and Fire Marshal Tammy Zurla addressed Christmas tree and holiday lights safety, Plant City Fire Rescue Fire Chief Dan Azzariti and Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal David Burnett spoke about the safe use of appliances. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

The video highlights the importance of switching off Christmas lights when unattended.

At the demonstration, the fire marshal explained the proper Christmas tree care to help prevent fires.

Get rid of the tree after Christmas.

“We’re all dreaming of a fire-free holiday season”.

Regarding holiday entertaining, the spokesperson said, “Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan”.

“Obviously, we see it a lot more as people decorate their homes in lots of weird and wonderful lights as is the big fashion”. Never put lit candles on a tree. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. “However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and do not forget to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.

For starters, Dougherty emphasized that residents should never use a fryer in, or under, a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, deck or any other structure that can catch a fire adding, “Frying a turkey takes extra safety measures”, he said.

Last December, there were 72 injuries and nine fatalities due to residential fires in the province.