Fire Marshal Issues Reminder For Christmas Tree Safety

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Fire Marshal Issues Reminder For Christmas Tree Safety

Thousands of Nova Scotians will pick up and decorate their Christmas tree this weekend. Although this task brings with it the excitement of the holiday season, the fire marshal reminds Nova Scotians that this tradition also carries an increased risk of fire.

"The tree itself is a combustible material," said fire marshal Robert Cormier. "Add potential ignition sources such as electrical lights and proximity to heating devices and your Christmas tree could be a fire hazzard."

Mr. Cormier is urging all Nova Scotians to use proven procedures to keep the tree safe. He suggests these steps to help protect against potential dangers:

• Always choose a freshly cut tree. The needles of pine and spruce should bend and not break and should be difficult to pull off 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.
• Choose a sturdy tree stand with a wide base that will be difficult to tip over. The base should hold water.
• 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. Keep it away from fireplaces, heating vents and other heat-producing appliances that may dry it out.
• Be sure there is no chance of the tree blocking an entrance if it falls. Use wire or nylon to secure it to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from being knocked over.
• Make sure the tree is watered every day. The tree can absorb four or five litres of water on the first day. Make sure the water tank is always 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 recommended length of time from cutting to disposal is 25 days.

The decorations on a tree also contribute to its safety.

"When choosing decorations for your tree, make sure the electrical devices meet safety standards and ensure there are no combustible materials at or near the tree," said Mr. Cormier.

He offers these tips:

• Never put a candle on a tree or anywhere near it.
• Use only noncombustible decorations.
• Use only light strings that are approved for usage in Canada. Spot or floodlights should be used only on an artificial tree. Only use electric lights on a metal tree when recommended by the manufacturer.
• Only use indoor lights and extension cords indoors. And use outdoor lights and extension cords 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" (overlapping) connections. Instructions should be followed to determine the number of light strings for each connection. 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 use less heat.
• Disconnect the lights at bedtime or when unattended.

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

For more information on fire safety contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at 1-800-559-3473.