The Reflector
As people prepare for the holiday season and start putting up decorations, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents a small fire involving a Christmas tree can grow quickly.
The Fire Marshal’s Office said people should follow these safety tips when picking, placing and lighting their Christmas tree:
- Select a tree that is fresh and has green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Cut two inches from the base of the tree trunk before placing it in the tree stand.
- Keep all heat sources at least three feet away from the tree. This includes fireplaces, portable heaters and candles. Heat sources too close to the tree cause more than one in every five of home fires.
- Do not block exits or exit pathways with the tree.
- Add water to the tree stand reservoir daily to keep the tree hydrated.
- Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory and select the type appropriate for the location of the tree. Some lights are to be used only in indoor or outdoor settings.
- If using an extension cord for tree lights, avoid putting cords under rugs and carpets, across doorways, or where they can be damaged or pinched.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for all light strands and replace any with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Almost one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
- Never use lit candles with live flames to decorate a tree.
- Always turn off your tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Remove dried-out trees from inside a home and do not place them in a garage or against a home.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.
