Ninety seconds. That’s how long a Christmas tree survived a demonstration of holiday fire hazards sponsored by the Pasadena Fire Department on Tuesday morning.
After Pasadena firefighters torched the tree, they issued a series of warnings for safety in the holiday season.
When buying a live tree, try to get one that is fresh and green. The tree will last longer and pose less of a fire hazard as it dries out. Check to see if the needles bend without breaking or that the tree doesn’t lose many needles when tapped on the ground.
Place the tree away from fireplaces and heaters that pose a fire danger and can dry a tree out. Keep the tree stand filled with water.
If you buy an artifical tree, be sure it has a label indicating it is fire-resistant. Do not use electric lights on a metallic tree.
Make sure that your Christmas lights have no frayed wires or loose connections, especially with the rain expected to arrive later this week. With the rain coming, make sure outdoor lights have been strung up securely so they do not fall down.
Only use as outdoor lights those strings bearing a label indicating they are for outdoor use. Turn off lights before you go to sleep or leave the house.
Do not use candles or combustible materials on a tree. Try to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, especially when children are around.
-- Bill Kisliuk, Times Community News
After Pasadena firefighters torched the tree, they issued a series of warnings for safety in the holiday season.
When buying a live tree, try to get one that is fresh and green. The tree will last longer and pose less of a fire hazard as it dries out. Check to see if the needles bend without breaking or that the tree doesn’t lose many needles when tapped on the ground.
Place the tree away from fireplaces and heaters that pose a fire danger and can dry a tree out. Keep the tree stand filled with water.
If you buy an artifical tree, be sure it has a label indicating it is fire-resistant. Do not use electric lights on a metallic tree.
Make sure that your Christmas lights have no frayed wires or loose connections, especially with the rain expected to arrive later this week. With the rain coming, make sure outdoor lights have been strung up securely so they do not fall down.
Only use as outdoor lights those strings bearing a label indicating they are for outdoor use. Turn off lights before you go to sleep or leave the house.
Do not use candles or combustible materials on a tree. Try to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, especially when children are around.
-- Bill Kisliuk, Times Community News
