Kent RFA offers holiday tree safety tips

Published 12:55 pm Friday, December 9, 2016

Approximately 230 home fires start due to holiday trees each year in the nation, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

These fires result in an average of six deaths, 22 injuries, and over $16 million in damages. In addition, one out of every 40 fires that started due to a tree resulted in a death. When compared to the average of one death per 142 fires for all types of home fires, the dangers of a tree fire are staggering. The NFPA says that one third of these fires were caused by electrical problems.

The Kent Regional Fire Authority offers tips to reduce the chances of a tree fire:

• Buy a fresh cut tree

• Saw off the bottom inch of the trunk to create a fresh surface to absorb water

• Keep the tree well-watered and check the water level daily

• Remove the tree from the home if large amounts of needles begin falling off

• Never use candles on or near a tree

• Keep trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces and baseboard heaters

• Use the correct type of holiday lights on the tree

• Consider buying an artificial tree, which are more fire resistant

Fire fact: Almost 40 percent of residential tree fires take place in January.