’Tis The Season For House Fires

 

The headline and lede written by Kris Mamula in yesterday’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette should shake us up when tragedy hits so close to home:

Neighbors and first responders describe ‘terrifying’ scene of Brighton Heights fire that claimed three lives

Neighbors in Brighton Heights awoke early Saturday to screaming, flames and a wall of smoke as a raging fire destroyed a three-story brick home, killing a 19-year-old man and two children, one of whom was scheduled to start school Monday.

 

Cold weather and December’s ambient darkness increase the risk for tragic home fires, The PediaBlog learned earlier this year:

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, home fires occur most frequently in winter compared to other seasons. Heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all increase the risk of residential fires during the winter months. There are about 45,000 electrical fires each year, making them the leading cause of all home fires in the U.S.

 

Decorating the house for the holidays is one risk factor for a winter house fire, Diana Rodriguez-Zaba says:

HOLIDAY DECORATION FIRE STATISTICS

In the 4 years from 2014-2018, fire departments responded to an average of 770 structural fires each year that began from household holiday decorations.

These fires resulted in deaths, injuries, and property damage.

CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES

Between the years 2014 and 2018, fire departments responded to an average of 160 house fires that began with a Christmas tree. Fire departments report that an average of two people die in each of these fires, and they amount to $10 million in property damage annually.

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE FIRES

Statistics show that alternate heating sources like electric heaters, fireplaces, and other appliances cause over 65,000 home fires each year.

 

Even though Christmas tree fires aren’t common, the National Fire Protection Association notes that they are likely to be serious. NFPA recommends taking these safety steps:

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.

• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home
or going to bed.

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

 

NFPA reminds everyone to be careful with holiday decorations, which can catch fire when they are placed too close to a heat source:

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

 

Keep family and holiday guests entertained… and safe:

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.

• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

• Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

 

 

(Image: National Fire Prevention Association)

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2022/12/20/tis-the-season-for-house-fires/