As the holiday season shifts into high gear, lights adorn people’s homes and ornamented Christmas trees can be seen through windows.
“This season always comes with higher risk of house fires, due to the common use of space heaters, potential overloading of circuits, and flammability of decorations,” said the City of Prince Rupert on Facebook.
Between 2010 and 2020, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) recorded 113 Christmas-related fires in B.C., which led to 15 injuries, four deaths and more than $14.5 million in damage.
OFC emphasized the importance of keeping Christmas trees well-watered to prevent them from becoming a fire hazard. The National Fire Protection Association shared a video of a dried Christmas tree that burned entirely in less than a minute, while a watered one ignited slowly.
“Ensure a real tree stays fresh and green (fresh cut on bottom) by watering it daily (use sugar water or ginger ale / 7-up). Get rid of the tree after the holidays or when it has dried out,” said the City of Prince Rupert.
They shared more tips on preventing dangerous situations during this time.
Christmas Tree and Decorations Safety
- Keep flammable items away from heat sources: Ensure trees, wrapping paper, decorations, and other items that could catch fire are kept away from heat sources like radiators, heaters, or candles.
- Use flame-retardant or non-combustible decorations: Opt for decorations labelled as flame-retardant or non-combustible, and ensure the lights used are certified and indoor-rated.
- Choose LED lights: Energy-efficient LED lighting produces less heat and lowers the fire risk compared to traditional incandescent lights.
- Turn off decorations when not in use: Always switch off all lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- Avoid electrical overloads: Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded, and don’t use power bars.
Cooking Safety
- Create a “kid-free zone”: Maintain at least one metre (3 feet) of space around the stove and other hot food preparation areas to prevent accidents with children.
- Supervise cooking closely: Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you leave, turn off the stove.
- Monitor simmering, baking, or boiling food: Regularly check food that’s simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling. Stay home while cooking, and use a timer to remind you.
- Handle grease fires safely: Never pour water on a grease fire. If a grease fire occurs on the stove, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner. Alternatively, cover with baking soda to smother the fire.
- Oven fire safety: If a fire starts in the oven, turn off the heat, keep the oven door closed, and do not reopen until it is safe. Ensure the oven is checked or serviced before using it again.
Candle Safety
- Blow out candles: Never leave lit candles unattended, especially when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Use sturdy candle holders: Place candles in stable holders that won’t tip over easily on a flat, uncluttered surface. Consider battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
- Keep children and pets away from candles.
Smoke Alarms and Fire Escape Planning
- Install working smoke alarms: Ensure that smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.
- Maintain smoke alarms: Test alarms monthly, clean them as needed, and change the batteries at least twice a year (typically when daylight saving time begins and ends).
- Create a fire escape plan: Develop a fire escape plan with at least two ways out of every room. Practice this plan regularly and share it with all household members and guests.
- Ensure exits are clear: Holiday decorations should not block any exits or escape routes.
“Have a safe and happy holiday from our City family to yours!” added the city.
