Following simple steps will help to ensure fires won’t ruin this season’s festivities

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  There's nothing quite like the smell of a fresh Christmas tree and the look of a long string of bright lights in the home to welcome the holiday season. 

But base officials are asking Airmen and their families to follow some simple steps in the home to mitigate any fire risks this holiday season. When it comes to purchasing a natural Christmas tree, it's best to choose one that is as freshly cut as possible to avoid any fire risks, said assistant chief of fire prevention Sandra Cooper, 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron. 

"You want to bounce it on the ground, and if lots of needles fall out it's already too dry," Chief Cooper said. 

She also recommends running a clasped hand down one of the branches. If a handful of brittle needles flake off the branches, the tree is probably too dry, Chief Cooper said. 

And if a tree is purchased early in December, she recommends leaving the tree outside in the moist air until it is time to decorate it. 

"The longer you keep it in the house the faster it will dry out," Chief Cooper said. 

On average, real and artificial Christmas trees are the first items ignited in an estimated 210 home fires annually, according to the most recent National Fire Prevention Association statistics. 

While this represents a small portion of the estimated 85 million households that display a tree, the NFPA recommends consumers commit to taking care of a fresh tree, and keep flame sources away from plastic trees, to reduce the risk of their tree being involved in a home fire. 

People should also be careful when it comes to stringing up lights, Chief Cooper said. 

It's important to check all the wiring on the lighting for damage before use, make sure to use only outdoor approved lights for eaves and outdoor decorating and to not overload a circuit, she said.

"People should check the box or tag to see how much amperage a string of lights is going to need and add up the strings," Chief Cooper said. 

A normal receptacle is good for 15 amps. When stringing up lights, Chief Cooper recommends wrapping tape around the cord and leaving a flag of tape to staple. Never staple the cord to the wall, she said.