If it’s touched by a spark, a Christmas tree can go up in flames within seconds.
A couple of house fires start that way in unincorporated Snohomish County every year, said Mike Makela, a fire investigator with the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Nearby furniture and Christmas presents can feed the flames, he said. Even if a Christmas tree fire is extinguished before it leaves the living room, smoke quickly can damage other parts of the home.
Families should take a few precautions with their trees to stay safe, Makela said.
“The big deal is to keep them watered,” he said.
A well-watered tree will resist combustion, he said.
Pets may be tempted to drink the tree’s water, leaving the tree thirsty, Makela said. People with pets should check the tree’s water level at least once a day.
If people plan to use an additive in the tree’s water, make sure pets and children can’t get into it, Marysville Fire Marshal Tom Maloney said. It’s likely not safe for them.
Candles should never be lit on the tree or nearby, Makela said.
“You don’t want to have any open flame anywhere near the tree,” he said.
If you’re planning to use holiday lights, either on or off the tree, make sure all of the lights and extension cords are in excellent condition, Makela said. They shouldn’t have any frays or signs of having been chewed on by pets.
It’s important to read the manufacturer’s directions for holiday lights, Maloney said. Plugging too many strands into one circuit, or connecting too many strands together, can overload the system and lead to an electrical fire.
Use heavy-duty extension cords, and try to keep them out of walking routes, he said. Feet, wheels or anything else running over cords causes breakage inside the cords and creates a fire hazard.
After the holiday, people should get rid of their tree as soon as possible, Makela said. Otherwise, they may unnecessarily prolong the danger of a fire.
Never burn the tree or any parts of it in the fireplace, Maloney said. That has led to house fires in the past.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
Preventing a Christmas tree fire
•Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t come off when touched.
Before placing the tree in the stand, cut an inch or two from the base.
Set up the tree at least three feet from any heat sources, such as fireplaces and radiators.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water daily.
Never use candles to decorate a tree.
Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Do not leave a discarded tree in a garage or leaning up against the home.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
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