Put a freeze on winter fires

posted on 12/21/2022

Heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles contribute to an increased fire risk during the winter months. It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase the risks of home fires. Dover Fire and Rescue Chief Michael McShane reminds residents that as you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.

• Half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles;
• Candles start more than one-third of home decoration fires;
• Christmas is the peak day for candle fires; Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns;
• A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast – make sure yours is well watered; More than one in every five Christmas tree fires was caused by a heat source too close to the tree;
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect;
• Ensure your tree is at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits;
• Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.

In addition to holiday decorations, cooking is often the leading cause of home fires and the second leading cause of home fire deaths annually. In 2019, Thanksgiving was the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

“Many simple measures can be taken to significantly decrease the risk of fire hazards and enhance your safety while enjoying this holiday season,” McShane said. “The key is being aware and mindful of the lurking dangers.”

For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website https://nfpa.org, or contact Dover Fire and Rescue at 603-516-6148.