Brookfield Fire Marshal Warns Of Holiday Risks

BROOKFIELD, CT — According to the American Red Cross, nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554 million in property damage.

The Brookfield Fire Marshal's Office has posted a checklist on social media of do's and don'ts for residents preparing to drape old lights over dry evergreens:

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.
• Make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast.
• Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits.
• Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.