Oxford Fire Department Relays Dangers of Home Fires During Holidays

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com

Christmas tree fires can turn devastating and deadly within seconds. Video courtesy of the National Fire Prevention Association.

As LOU residents begin to hang wreaths, decorate Christmas trees and roast chestnuts over an open fire this holiday season, the Oxford Fire Department advocates for fire prevention and safety measures.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 170 home fires between 2012-2016 that started with Christmas trees. The fires caused an average of 4 deaths, 15 injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage annually, the NFPA reported in November 2017.

Jamie Phillips, Oxford Fire Department fire inspector and public educator, said residents who have real trees this holiday season should keep them well hydrated in order to prevent fires. He said although newer tree lights are typically LED, which produces less heat, those who opt for non LED lights should remember to water the tree. 

Phillips said those who use regular tree lights should check for shortages or broken bulbs. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 43 percent of home Christmas tree fires between 2012-2016, according to the NFPA.

The NFPA reported, in one-quarter of the same time frame, 27 percent of Christmas tree fires and 80 percent of the deaths came from some type of heat sources, such as a candle or equipment that was too close to the tree.

In regards to fireplaces, Phillips said keeping the space swept, cleaned and ventilated is key to avoiding fire mishaps in the colder months.

“Try to keep all flammables away from [fireplaces] and heaters, as well,” he said.

Also, fireplaces and fire pits should always be extinguished before going to sleep. The best way to extinguish these types of fires is with sand, Phillips said.

Sand provides a cleaner and more efficient way for extinguishing indoor fires because water spreads the ash particles through the air, he said.

The U.S. Fire Administration highly recommends residents have working fire alarms on the every level of their home for precaution.

Phillips said if a fire were to ignite, residents should first try to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher; however, if that fails, residents should immediately escape the home or building and call 911.

For more information on fire prevention, visit the U.S. Fire Administration website.