Don’t start the fire: Local fire departments share how to stay safe this holiday season
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is traditionally a time of great expectation for family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the season and maybe relax before the start of a new year.
It is also a time for increased calls for service in the fire service.
U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 780 home structure fires per year that begin with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.
These fires cause an annual average of three civilian fire deaths, 34 civilian fire injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage.
60% of candle fires started when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations, was too close to the candle.
Keep decorations at least three feet away from any heat source and never leave candles burning unattended.
The two peak days for candle fires were Christmas Eve and Christmas.
If you have or are purchasing an artificial Christmas tree, make sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as a flame retardant.
If you choose a “live” tree, pick one that is fresh.
Needles should be green, flexible, and not come off when you run your hands over the branches.
When you get it home, cut one or two inches from the bottom and keep the water container at the base of the tree-filled.
This water is sucked into the tree and helps to keep it fresh longer.
Place your tree so it is at least 3 feet away from any heat source and farther from fireplaces or open flames.
Heating vents or space heaters blowing on the tree can dry it out faster too.
Use only lights that are intended for indoor use, and never place candles on a tree.
Twenty percent of Christmas tree fires occur because a heating source is too close to a tree.
After Christmas, properly dispose of your tree.
Old dry trees lying in alleys, or in yards, are a fire hazard.
Make use of the City’s annual Christmas tree drop-off recycling program so that your old tree will not only be safely disposed of, but it will also be put to good use.
