Christmas tree fire prevention

As we countdown the last week until Christmas, it is important to remember Christmas tree safety.

When purchasing an artificial tree, make sure to look for one with a “fire-retardant” label. A fire-retardant tree does not mean it will not catch fire, but the tree will resist the fire and extinguish quicker. If you decide to get a live tree, make sure to check for freshness. A fresh tree is green and the trunk butt is sticky with resin. When picking a tree, check the needles, run our fingers through the needles and shake the tree. If the needles come off easily, choose another tree because this is a sign that the tree is drying out. A dry Christmas tree will not tolerate the temperature of Christmas lights and can start a fire. When choosing a live Christmas tree instead of an artificial tree, you have to make sure to check the container of water every day and continue to fill it. A dry Christmas tree can become engulfed in less than 10 seconds. If you have a Christmas tree, artificial or live, make sure the tree is not blocking any exits.

Some other facts you should know, almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems and a heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in every five fires.

For other safety, make sure to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Make sure to create a home escape plan and share it and practice it with all family and guests. Christmas decorations can be poisonous to children and pets, so make sure to keep them out of harm's reach.

If your Christmas tree catches fire, call 911 immediately, even if you can put the fire out yourself. Authorities can make sure that all threats and safety precautions are settled and put in place so another fire doesn't take place.