Fire Marshal's Checklist for Christmas Tree Safety

ENVIRONMENT AND LABOUR -Fire Marshal's Checklist for Christmas Tree Safety

The Christmas tree is one of the most beloved winter traditions, but its beauty also brings the increased risk of fire.

"The tree is a large piece of fuel that gets more flammable as it ages," said fire marshal Robert Cormier. "It's often decorated with electrical lights that are a potential source of ignition; and it's inside the house so it can be close to heating devices and candles."

He urged all Nova Scotians to use proven procedures to keep the tree safe. The checklist begins with a fresh tree that is kept moist.

"A fresh tree will still burn, but it's harder to start burning than one that's been allowed to dry out," Mr. Cormier explained.

He suggested these steps to help protect against potential dangers:

• Choose a sturdy tree stand with a wide base that will be difficult to tip over. The base should hold water.
• Always choose a freshly cut tree. The needles of pine and spruce should bend and not break and should be difficult to pull off the branches. On a fresh fir tree, a needle pulled from the stem will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Look for a trunk sticky with sap.
• Cut about five centimetres (two inches) from the base of the tree before placing it in the stand.
• Select the location for your Christmas tree carefully, keeping it away from fireplaces, heating vents and other heat-producing appliances that may dry out the tree.
• Be sure there is no chance of the tree blocking an entrance if it falls. Use wire or nylon cord to secure the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from being knocked over by children or pets.
• Make sure the tree is watered every day. The tree can absorb four or five litres of water on the first day. May sure the water tank is full.
• Dispose of the tree safely when it starts dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house. Check with your community composting program for the tree pick-up schedule.

The decorations on a tree also contribute to its safety.

"The objective in selecting decorations is to make sure that all electrical devices meet safety standards and to make sure that there are no flammable materials on the tree," Mr. Cormier explained.

He recommended this checklist:

• Never put a candle on a tree or anywhere near it.
• Use only noncombustible decorations.
• Use only light strings that carry a CSA or approved equivalent certification. Spot or floodlights should be used only on an artificial tree. Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
• Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights only outdoors.
• Check for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Replace any damaged light sets.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits or creating "octopus" connections. Use no more than three light sets on one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid the tripping hazard, but do not run cords under rugs.
• Consider using miniature lights. They produce less heat.
• Disconnect the lights at bedtime or when unattended.

The fire marshal also reminded Nova Scotians that smoke detectors save lives. "A working smoke detector with a fresh battery will provide additional peace of mind," Mr. Cormier said.