PIERRE, S.D. – Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Pierre Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ian Paul says the number of fires started while cooking tends to increase this time of year.
Paul says unattended cooking is another main cause of kitchen fires.
He encourages people to also be extra careful if cooking outdoors with a turkey fryer or grill.
Another cause of home fires this time of year, Paul says, are holiday lights, lighted decorations and real Christmas trees
The number of open-flame fires on Christmas Day is more than double the average, and New Year’s Day runs a close second. That’s according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Even worse, the number of fatalities during a holiday fire is nearly 70% higher than average, and property loss is 34% greater.
- One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
- Christmas tree fires are more likely to be serious, resulting in death once in every 31 occurrences (compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires).
- A heat source too close to the tree causes 25% of all Christmas tree fires.
- December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
- One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom.
Other holiday fire safety reminders include:
- Have working smoke alarms on each level of a home, in each bedroom and adjacent to all sleeping areas.
- Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Keep children at least three feet away from the stove, oven, hot food and liquids. Steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Be sure supplemental heating sources such as space heaters have plenty of clear space around them.
- Turn off lights and extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed.
