Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Salt Lake City fire officials emphasize holiday fire safety amid increased risks.
- A live burn demonstration highlighted rapid ignition of dry Christmas trees, officials warn.
- Residents urged to maintain tree safety, check lights and have fire plans ready.
SALT LAKE CITY — As families gear up for the holidays, fire officials want to make sure they're doing it safely. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the top days for home fires nationwide.
"We want to make sure that they are enjoying the holidays safely," Salt Lake City Fire Capt. Chad Jepperson said.
Representatives from the Salt Lake City Fire Department and the American Red Cross of Utah teamed up to hold a live burn demonstration Monday at the Salt Lake City Fire Training Center to show just how quickly a dry Christmas tree can ignite — turning into a wall of flames in just a matter of seconds.
"It's very destructive when it does happen," Jepperson said.
Officials recommend keeping Christmas trees well-watered, placing them at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, candles, or space heaters, and turning off lights before going to bed or leaving home. Experts also say to check holiday lights for frayed wires and replace older strands that may pose a hazard.
"If you've used them for five to 10 years, that can start to cause problems," said Jeremiah Lafranca, executive director of the American Red Cross Salt Lake Chapter.
If a Christmas tree does catch fire, firefighters say to evacuate the area and call 911 immediately.
"We do a good job — we train for this. But best-case scenario is for this not to happen," Jepperson said.
Crews also warn that cooking fires remain one of the leading causes of holiday home fires.
"People automatically react and think, throw water on a grease fire, or things of that nature. We want to make sure to smother that with a lid," Lafranca said.
Officials remind families to have an exit plan, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and check smoke detectors regularly.
"You want to make sure you have those smoke alarms working, so if something does happen, you can act quickly," Lafranca said.
The American Red Cross of Utah offers free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education through its "Sound the Alarm" program. You can schedule an appointment at soundthealarm.org/utah.
Other holiday fire safety tips from the organization and the fire department are:
- Choose a fresh tree with green needles that don't fall off when touched.
- Cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand to improve water absorption.
- Keep the tree well watered and check the water level daily.
- Position the tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources, like fireplaces, space heaters or candles.
- Ensure the tree doesn't block any exits.
- Use only holiday lights certified by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Inspect light strings and connections for damage. Do not use broken or frayed wires.
- Turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving home.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Dispose of the tree safely after the holidays, especially if it has dried out.
