Release authorized 12/7/04 Fire Chief Robert Partee

Zeigler FD issues fire safety tips for upcoming holiday season

Zeigler, Illinois – In the rush of the holiday season, the Zeigler Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of fire safety when decorating, cooking, and using candles.

Christmas Tree Safety

Many people love the smell and look of fresh Christmas trees in their homes during the holidays.  But live trees can dry out quickly inside a home and then they become a serious fire hazard.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that Christmas trees are the first item ignited in nearly 400 fires each year, with lights, cords and plugs the most common cause of ignition.  A dry Christmas tree can be fully engulfed in flames in as little as 15 seconds and the heat of the fire can quickly ignite other items in the room.  The following tips can help you prevent Christmas tree disasters:

• Buy a tree that is freshly cut.  Check the tree before purchasing to ensure it isn’t losing excessive needles (which can indicate dryness).
• Place the tree in a large tree stand that has an adequate reservoir for water and keep the tree as moist as possible by refilling water daily.
• Position the tree at least three feet away from any heat source, such as a radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window.
• Remove the tree from the house when it begins dropping needles.  Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in the house or garage or placed against the house.
• Use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved tree lights and follow manufacturer’s directions regarding indoor or outdoor use and limitations on the number of strands that can be connected. 
• Don’t use lights if the cords are worn, frayed or broken.
• Always unplug all lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

Candle Safety

Candles have become extremely popular over the past decade, and not surprisingly, the number of home candle fires has tripled during the same period.  According to the NFPA, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to public fire departments in 2001 (the last year for which data are available) resulting in nearly 200 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries and approximately $265 million in property loss.  By far, more candle fires occur in December than any other month, with Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve the top three days of the year for reported candle fires.

Candles can be used safely by following these simple tips:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, and flammable decorations.
• Place candles on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.
• Keep candles up high out of reach of children. 
• Never use a candle for a light when checking a pilot light or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern.  The flame may ignite the fumes.

Turkey Fryer Safety

Turkey deep fryers have become very popular in recent years, yet because of the many fire and injury risks associated with the fryers, both the NFPA and the American Burn Association discourage their use.  The fryers have a risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil, all of which can lead to fires and serious burns.  Dangers include:

• When the turkey is placed in the hot oil, oil may spill onto the burner, starting a fire.
• The units can tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby.
• Some units do not have automatic thermostat controls to regulate the temperature of the oil, so the oil may heat to the point of boiling over and catching fire.
• The sides, lids and handles can get extremely hot and may cause burns.

If a turkey fryer is used, be sure to carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s directions.  In addition, the fryer should always be used outside the house, away from any structures or combustible materials.

Fireplaces, wood burning stoves and home heater safety

Even after the last holiday decoration has been put away, there are still fire hazards in the home associated with fireplaces, wood burning stoves and home heaters.

• Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep before the winter season begins.
• Keep the screen closed at all times, except when tending the fire.  Sparks from fireplaces and wood burning stoves are a common cause of residential fires.
• Dispose of fireplace ashes in a metal container, away from the house or any combustible materials.
• Make sure the fire is out before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Keep flammable decorations, including stockings hanging from the mantle, away from the fireplace or wood stove.
• The use of non-vented kerosene heaters is not recommended.

Safety tips provided by the office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

Visit the OSFM on line at http://www.state.il.us/osfm

Zeigler Fire Department

Robert A. Partee, Fire Chief

301 Church St.

Zeigler, Illinois 62999

1-618-596-6475

Visit the City Of Zeigler online at www.zeigleril.com

Last Updated on December 7, 2004

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