As we continue through the winter holiday seasons, Christmas Tree Fire Safety becomes one of the primary topics that your Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association member companies need to discuss with our communities. U.S. fire departments annually respond to several hundred structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. You can help to insure a fire safe Christmas in your home by using only Christmas tree lights that carry the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights that have worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.. Always turn off or unplug the lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never  use lit candles to decorate a tree.

If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.

Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights. After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home. Check with your refuse hauler or local municipality as to the proper procedures for pick up and disposal of your tree.

By taking these preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond. For further information on Christmas Tree fire safety, and other winter and holiday fire safety topics contact your nearest Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association Company or go to www.nfpa.org/holiday.