Middlesex County Fire Academy staff conducted a demonstration of a Christmas tree fire on Friday morning. Watch video
Christmas tree fire Dec. 2015SAYREVILLE - One minute it is a shining symbol of Christmas joy, but seconds later it could be a towering heap of flames that threatens both your home and the safety of the people you love.
On Friday morning, Middlesex County Fire Academy staff conducted a demonstration to show how flammable Christmas trees are and how quickly the fires can spread.
"We all agree the holiday season should be a time of joy. But each year fires caused by Christmas trees and holiday decorations bring tragedy to families, not only in New Jersey, but across this nation," Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), chairman of the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission, said during the event.
Wisniewski said U.S. Fire Administration research shows an increase in fires during the holiday season and that the United States has averaged more than 200 fires annually started by Christmas tree or holiday lighting. And many of those fires resulted in death or injuries, he said.
"Especially during the Christmas holiday, we take it for granted that it's joyous occasion and it's a time to celebrate, but it's also a time that we have to be watchful and concerned about fire safety," Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald Rios said during the event.
The officials offered tips for families to reduce their risk of fires over the holidays, including:
- Families who use real trees should make sure the trees are fresh. If the needles are brittle or easily shed, you should pick a different tree.
- Keep the trees at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators heating vents and lighting.
- Make sure the tree stand is filled with water to help keep tree from drying out too quickly.
- Fire officials recommend that real trees are not left up longer than two weeks. And after they are dismantled, they should be discarded immediately and not stored in a garage, on a porch or on the side of a home.
- Holiday lighting should always carry the endorsement of an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Worn or broken chords or loose bulbs should be replaced.
- Avoid stringing together too many strands of lights. In general this means no more than three strands of mini lights or 50 screw-in bulbs.
- Christmas tree lights should never be left on if a tree is unattended, and should be unplugged when you go to bed or leave home.
- Residents should check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are operating properly.
- Families who use artificial trees should make sure they are flame retardant.
"For certain families, the holiday season turns tragic due to fires. Don't let your family or the families of your loved ones suffer such a fate," Wisniewski said. "Pay attention to these common sense rules and reminders, protect your family and enjoy the holiday season."
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.