Sun City Fire Department

Media Release

Christmas Tree Safety

Written By: Stacy Lynne Bodenstedt

Fire Community Relations Specialist

If choosing a fresh tree make sure that, it is actually “fresh”. Ways of determining this are as follows:

· Test the freshness and hydration of the tree by bouncing or having the salesperson bounce the tree trunk on the ground two or three times to see if needles fall. There should only be few that fall and the branches should bend not break.

· Have approximately two inches cut from the bottom of the trunk, which will open up the pores that could have been clogged by sap. It will help the tree absorb water.

· Use a stand that can hold a lot of water. Make sure, as soon as you get home to place the tree in water as soon as possible. To keep the tree healthy, water daily so it does not dry up.

· Place your tree away from space heaters, fireplaces, or registers which will dry the tree quickly and or pose as a fire risk.

· Make sure that any exit or main walkway is not hindered by the placement of your tree. Just in case of an emergency, you need to keep exits free and clear!

· When using tree lights, make sure the lights are UL rated which are cool burning or miniature type to prevent drying.

· Use lights in good condition with no frayed or bare wires. Lay the lights on a fireproof surface, turn them on and check for any overheating, smoke or melting. If this happens – throw the sting of lights away once they are unplugged and cooled. If there is a problem with the lights such as the ones mentioned, any small spark or overheating could easily cause your tree to catch on fire.

· Make sure to unplug lights when leaving your home or when you go to bed at night. Besides the tree drying out faster with prolonged heat from the lights, your lights may overheat and cause a fire.

· When needles start becoming brittle and fall off, this is a sign of the tree drying out and could be a fire waiting to happen.

· Decorations should always be fire resistant! Remember old-fashioned candlelights could be very dangerous!

· Artificial trees should be fire resistant and should have a UL safety label attached.

· If you have a metal tree, be very careful not to use electric lights. Besides, of a possible burn danger, there is a possibility of electrical shock.