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Prevent Christmas Tree Fires

By
Industry Observer with Retired

Prevent Christmas Tree Fires


A Christmas tree fire can destroy a room in less than a minute. The following alert was distributed by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Montgomery County, Maryland.

When selecting a tree for the Holiday, needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. A safer option is to buy a fire-resistant artificial tree.

Use a wide-based stand to make sure the tree is secure and will not fall over. Keep your tree in a container full of water, and check it daily.

Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and heating vents. Decorate your tree with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that are breakable, have small detachable parts, metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Make sure tree lights are hung out of reach of young children. Also, cut back the lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children.

Decorate your tree using only UL (Underwriters' Lab Inc.) approved lights and cords. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights on one extension cord, and never run an electrical cord under a carpet. Be sure to secure electrical cords so that children cannot pull them and topple the tree.

Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed, depart from home or leave the tree in an unattended room.

Never burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in your fireplace. Dispose of your tree promptly after the holidays.

 

Dahlia, Kentlands Photowalk, Photograph by Roy Kelley, Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Dahlia, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 6084
Photograph by Roy Kelley 
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Comments (19)
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Roy Kelley I love real Christmas trees.... but I never want to think about a fire.... so I have artificial trees.... this year, I hope my new white one shows up soon....

Dec 07, 2020 02:11 PM
John Slocum
Premiere Property Group, LLC - Vancouver Washington - Vancouver, WA
Broker, SFR - Vancouver WA Real Estate

Hi Roy. You are so correct on how quickly these burn. I once worked for the Forest Service during my summers off from College, and we'd burn the slash - and boy it can get going so very quickly!

Dec 07, 2020 02:39 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Hi Roy,  Thank you for sharing these important tips to keep in mind when choosing, decorating and keeping your tree during this Christmas Season.

Dec 07, 2020 03:59 PM
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Every year you hear about Christmas tree fires and how tragic those can be.  Thanks for the timely tips!

Dec 07, 2020 04:53 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Do you need a COVID-19 test? Free testing clinics are scheduled tomorrow (Dec. 8) in Brookeville, Chevy Chase, Germantown, Rockville, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Details: https://buff.ly/2JJ4o7v.

Dec 07, 2020 05:59 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Roy.

Exactly, why we have an artificial one for years.  

Dec 08, 2020 12:32 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I had no idea how dangerous a Christmas tree can be until one year, after taking our tree down, we decided to ignite it in our backyard.  The thing took off like a missile.  Went upward toward the sky about 7 feet, and then slowly returned to earth on it's side.  It all happened really fast.  I have a live tree this year - a really live tree, in a pot, that hopefully, I can use again next year!

Dec 08, 2020 01:37 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Roy - I understand that live Christmas tree sales are increasing this year so this is advice is extremely important as fires associated with them are already a concern.  Hopefully safety in the home continues to be enjoyed in the home at every time of the year.  

Dec 08, 2020 04:41 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I hope that people will be careful, I sure hate hearing about someone's home burning down.

Dec 08, 2020 05:02 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Every year we hear about this Roy. I hope this year no one will be left out in the cold and will all be careful with maintaining their trees.

Dec 08, 2020 05:43 AM
Rocky Dickerson
Realty One Group - Las Vegas, NV
Superior Service!

Good morning Roy Kelley yes we need to be careful and avoid Christmas tree fires. You know who agrees?

Dec 08, 2020 07:38 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Your feedback is always welcome and is very much appreciated.

Dec 08, 2020 09:54 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Roy, Great blog for this time of year to share with people.  Make it a great day and be safe.

 

Dec 08, 2020 11:09 AM
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