“The Chief Speaks” 

2nd edition - November, 2007

Christmas Trees and the Holiday Season

With the Christmas Season fast approaching, it would be negligent of me to not mention to you the hazards and dangers surrounding a live tree. We all love the wonderful aroma and the memories live trees evoke, but please be extremely careful, and responsible, if you do plan on having a live Christmas tree this year. Most importantly, keep the tree watered. This is good sound advice, not just to create a fragrant indoor winter wonderland but because Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually in the US, resulting in 6 deaths, 25 injuries and more than $5 million in property damage. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches, start tree fires. Well watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be. Lastly, never leave the house, even for a short while with the tree lights left on. It also goes without saying, make sure all trees lights are turned off when you retire for the night.

One of the training videos our fire department members watch is what is known as “The 47-Second Fire Video”. This video shows a live Christmas tree going up in flames in under 5 seconds, under 5 seconds.. It only takes 47 seconds, in total, for the entire room to be engulfed in flames. It is a sobering video to watch. Please see below:

• Tree Fire Video Clip (QT, 2.3 MB)
• Tree Fire Video Clip (MPEG, 4.6 MB)
• Tree Fire Video Clip (Real Media, 246 KB)
• Tree Fire Video Clip (AVI, 2.4 MB)

The inherent dangers of live trees is something everyone should consider when going Christmas tree shopping. Live Christmas trees are lovely. Please remember, however, that if you do decide to have a live tree, you should follow the advice listed above to ensure a safe and wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.

REMEMBER:  A WET TREE IS A SAFE TREE (and a happy one!)

Here are some very useful and important tips and tricks to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

• Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - Movie segments demonstrating how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases. This has already been discussed in further detail above.
• Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
  Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
• Caring for Your Tree
  Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Disposing of Your Tree
  Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights
  Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
  Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations

• Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
  All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
  It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
• Artificial Christmas Trees
  If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care

• Avoid Using Lit Candles
  If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
  Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.²
In closing, best wishes to one and all for a very happy Christmas and Holiday Season.

Marty McKinney
Fire Chief
Hemlock Valley Volunteer Fire Department

 

 

¹ – US Fire Administration – Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - US Fire Administration
² – US Fire Administration –A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety - USFA Holiday Fire Safety