“A spark neglected makes a mighty fire.” – Robert Herrick, English Poet
Firefighters say the greatest, cruelest trick fire plays is its ability to appear and strike without warning.
And fire is at its grinchiest during the holiday season.
The decorations, ornaments and beloved treasures that bring the Christmas season alive also bring the very real threat of fire.
The National Fire Protection Agency reports Christmas decorations alone kill an average of four people in the United States each year. Space heaters, which are non-festive essentials for many work-from-home households (including this one) throughout the winter season, cause another 300 deaths and 25,000 residential fires nationwide each season.
And forget the torrid heat of summer: the winter season is prime time for house fires.
“Home fires occur more in winter than any other season,” the Federal Emergency Management Agency cautions. “As you stay cozy and warm this winter, be fire smart.”
Don’t Extend a Fire Invitation to Your Extension Cord
The NFPA estimates 790 or more home structure fires begin each year with holiday decorations. That’s Bah Humbug in its smokiest form.
The annual heartbreaking fallout from Christmas decoration fires: 4 civilian deaths, 33 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct fire damage.
Faulty electrical distribution is the chief culprit behind holiday decoration fires. Firefighters recommend plugging in only one thing at a time.
“If you have something that looks like an octopus, you’ve got a problem,” Shelby, Ohio Fire Chief Mike Thompson told Yahoo News. “We see that all the time where people just run extension cords everywhere and think they’re going to be fine. Extension cords are supposed to be just temporary.”
Unfortunately, the holiday fire threats don’t extend to overwork extension cords only. Dangerous placement of flammable items and misuse of lighting products are also unsuspecting holiday home arsonists, along with one that is the last place you want on fire in your home on Christmas Eve. …
Oh Smoky Christmas Tree!
Then there’s the Christmas tree fire threat. There are few symbols of the season more festive than a live Christmas tree. But that living Christmas spirit comes with real danger. Christmas trees lead to 150 house fires across the USA each year. Most of these fires could have been prevented by watering trees and removing them when they become too dry.
Most of these fires occur in January when live Christmas trees have become drier than the Southwest Texas dirt in July.
“As Christmas trees dry out, they become more and more flammable,” the NFPA warns. “Thirty percent of Christmas tree fires were in January. Although Christmas tree fires are not very common, they can grow very fast.”
The very important holiday message here: Folks, hydrate your live Christmas trees. A healthy Christmas tree can consume up to a gallon of water per day. Check water levels in the morning and evening.
“Take the extra steps needed when decorating and properly using seasonal and holiday candles, menorah candles, decorative lighting and electric cords to ensure your ‘winter wonderland’ doesn’t turn into a devastating house fire,” the Firefighters Association of the State of New York stresses. “Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer and merrier.”
The Fire Prevention Keys of Christmas
Other Christmas Tree and Holiday Decorating Safety Tips that will help keep your family’s home and holiday celebrations safe this season include:
- For a fresh tree, cut 2 inches (5 cm) from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand. Add water daily to keep the tree well hydrated.
- Trees should be placed at least 3 feet (1 m) away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, such as a door or window.
- Ensure that decorative lights are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t celebrate the season without a working, at-the-ready fire extinguisher in your home.
For the 2023 holiday season should be about magic, family and wonderful memories, not a heartbreaking holiday fire.
