Video: Fire Officials Urge Christmas Tree Safety

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Don't let your holiday season go up in flames.

With Christmas just days away, Mill Valley Fire Department recently urged residents to avoid Christmas tree and other holiday-related fires by taking a few simple steps.

"The winter holiday season should be a joyous time of year," fire officials said in a public safety message. "However, certain types of fires and injuries associated with holiday decorating are much more common during this season."

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are the top four days for home candle fires. Therefore, fire officials advised residents to keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, officials said they are likely to be serious when they do occur. On average, one of every 34 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree fire resulted in death.

Fire officials recommend taking the following precautions with your tree:

• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.

See how flammable a dry Christmas tree can be compared to a tree watered regularly in the video below from the National Fire Protection Association.

– Image: YouTube video screenshot