Fire Safety for the holiday season

Candles can be a source of fire in your home, so be cautious with them. Place candles in non-tip candle holders and ensure they are well away from the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. Never leave lit candles unattended and ensure that they are out of reach of children.

Most Christmas fires can be prevented. Before buying your Christmas tree, test it for freshness by tapping the base of the tree on the ground. If needles fall or can be pulled off easily the tree is too dry. At home, find a cool spot for your tree, away from heater vents and the fireplace. Keep your tree as fresh as possible by watering it often. Check it often for lose needles and dispose of it before the tree becomes to dry, keep open flame away and check your tree lights for frayed wires damaged or loose bulbs.

Fireplaces and wood stoves are a great addition to any house but remember that when removing ashes that coals can remain in ashes for several days.   Place ashes in a steel bucket with a tight fitting lid and place them on a non-combustible surface out of windy areas. For more security wet ashes down. After about 4 days check that they are cool. The ashes can then be bagged and disposed of or used in your garden as fertilizer.

Pat Neumann
Deputy Chief Pincher Creek Emergency Services,
Deputy Director PCCEMA (Pincher Creek Community Emergency Management Agency)
Fire Inspection, Fire Prevention