Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips

The holiday season has arrived and it's that time of year to pick out and decorate Christmas trees. But don't just rush out and purchase any tree and grab those dust covered lights that have been in the attic for years. Safety needs to come  first when it comes to decorating a tree.

Each year According to the U.S. Fire Administrations National Fire Incident Reporting System there are roughly 250 house fires caused by Christmas trees. These fires cause an estimated 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and over $13 million in damage each year.

Protect your home and your family with this Top 10 list of Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips.

• Smoke Detectors - Make sure and check all smoke detectors in your home and ensure they are in working order.
• Always Choose a Fresh Tree - Check freshness by bending one of the branches, the branch should bend all the way over, if it snaps the tree is too dry. Also brush your hands against the branches, the needles should remain intact, if they fall off choose another tree.
• Water Right Away - Within 1 hour of tree trunk being sawed off a seal begins to form, just like a scab. If the seal fully forms the tree will refuse to take water and you will have to cut again. Get your tree in  a stand capable of holding water ASAP!
• Check the Water - For the first 2-3 days check the water level twice a day, thats's correct, twice a day. You'd be surprised how thirsty that tree is.
• Location, Location, Location! - Choose the correct spot for your tree. Keep out of direct sunlight, away from heat vents, fireplaces, space heaters, and radiators, and make sure your tree is not blocking any doors or exits to the house should there be an emergency.
• Choose the Right Lights - Recommend buying new UL approved lights every year, this means they have been labratory tested to ensure they will not catch on fire if used properly.
• Check Your Lights - If you do use lights from previous years make sure and thoroughly inspect the lights. You are checking the entire strand of lights for frayed, cracked, dryed out, or exposed wires. Discard any lights you find that have any of those characteristics.
• No Candles - It is very common during the holiday season to  have  lit candles around the house. But never place any lit candle anywhere near a tree.
• No Smoking - Do not smoke near a Christmas tree. The smallest little ash ember could ignite the highly flammable needles, branches, or pine oil.
• Never Leave Lights on Unattended - Before going to sleep at night turn off all lights and unplug all cords. Never leave your house with the lights on, there could be an electrical short which could then lead to a fire.

Chief Fire Marshall of City of Manassas Fire & Rescue Frank Teevan gave some good advice on fire safety.

"Keep your tree moist, no lit candles close to the tree, and make sure you are using the proper extension cord when using lights."

He also said what not to do with your tree and where to take it when the holidays are over.

"Do not put your tree in the fireplace or the woodstove in an attempt to burn it. Take your tree to the landfill for proper disposal."

In the 9 years he has been fire marshall Teevan mentioned that there has never been a Christmas tree related fire in the city of Manassas.