Exciting celebrations and bright light displays are staples of the holiday season. However, holiday displays can also pose safety risks. With the holiday season upon us, Thomasville Fire Rescue would like to stress the importance of fire safety during the holidays.
“Holiday fires can start from something small, such as a candle, or from bigger issues with family Christmas trees,” said Tim Connell, Fire Chief. “Small steps by individuals can prevent your festive celebration from turning into unexpected devastation.”
Connell says electrical distribution or lighting equipment has been the culprit in 43% of home Christmas tree fires. “Live Christmas trees, while beautiful, can become hazardous if not cared for properly. An un-watered Christmas tree can catch fire quickly and burn rapidly, causing life-changing devastation in a matter of seconds,” Connell continued. “During the holiday season, three-quarters of fatalities and two-thirds of related injuries resulted from fires that started with a Christmas tree.”
During the holiday season, it is also important to keep watch on burning candles. “The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve,” said Connell. “More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. It is of critical importance to keep lit candles away from decorations and to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.”
Connell urges the community to practice safety while disposing of trees after the holidays. “Trees should be properly disposed of after the holiday season or when they are dry,” he said. “Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, garage, or placed against the outside of the home. The City of Thomasville recycling center is the best place to dispose of trees after the holidays.”
“TFR is urging the community to show their support for first responders and health care professions by helping to minimize the number of avoidable incidents that require response and care,” said Connell. “Practice safety so that your holiday celebrations are not disrupted.”
For more information on fire safety, please visit Thomasville.org or call Thomasville Fire Rescue at 229-227-4099.