Holiday cheer can quickly turn to fire, fear

  • Published
  • By Edwards AFB Fire Prevention Office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase the risk of fire. An estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 involving holiday and other decorative lighting result in 21 deaths and 43 injuries each year .

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Residents should learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in their home. They should make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees to help ensure they have a fire-safe holiday season.

Christmas Tree selection safety, care, and disposal:
  • Needles should be green and hard to pull from branch.
  • The tree trunk should be sticky to the touch.
  • Bounce the tree to see if needles remain on the tree.
  • Ensure, when the tree is placed in the home, that it is not located near any heating sources, fireplace, or heating vent.
  • DO NOT SMOKE near the tree.
  • Do not put your tree up too early -- try not to leave it up for longer than 2 weeks.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
  • Never put tree branches or needles in the fireplace.
  • When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. Using recycling centers or having it hauled away are some options to consider.

Holiday Lights:
  • Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking.
  • Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
  • DO NOT overload electrical outlets.
  • Unless directions allow, DO NOT link more than THREE light strands.
  • Make periodic checks to wires -- they should not be warm to the touch.
  • DO NOT leave holiday lights unattended.
Holiday Decorations:
  • Use only nonflammable decorations of flame resistant decorations and ensure they are not located near any heat vents.
  • When using an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
  • DO NOT block exits. No tree or decorations should block any exits within a home or work facility.
Candle usage in Air Force facilities is prohibited. If the use of a candle is necessary and strictly involves a holiday function, it must be cleared through the Edwards Fire Department Fire Prevention section for approval. A formal request will be required by the building's facility manager outlining information pertinent to the holiday function that needs approval for candle use.

Remember, "tis the season to deck the halls", but make sure it's done safely and soundly. With good common sense and basic safety rules, everyone can make this a safe and happy holiday season.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 from a duty or housing phone. Dial 661-277-4540 from a cell phone.

For any additional information, call the Fire Prevention office at 661-277-3643. Happy Holidays from your Edwards Air Force Base Fire Department!