SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Fire Department is offering advice and tips on how to prevent Christmas tree fires this holiday season.
According to the fire department, the National Fire Protection Association says between 2016-2020, fire departments nationwide responded to an average of 160 Christmas tree fires each year, resulting in $12 million in property damage. The fire department also said one out of every 32 of the reported fires were deadly.
Here are some things the fire department says you can do to decrease the potential risk of Christmas tree fires in your home.
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Once the tree is placed, water daily.
- Make sure that the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source.
- Make sure that the tree does not block any exits.
- Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory and replace any string of lights with frayed cords or loose bulb connections.
- Always turn off tree lights when leaving or going to bed.
The fire department wants to remind homeowners to keep their Christmas trees healthy, well-watered and away from potential ignition sources.
To learn more about how you can stay safe this holiday season, go to this link on the Spokane Valley Fire Department's website.
