Fire officials urge caution during holidays

Rebecca Harris

NEWPORT BEACH -- Amid the glow of cozy fireplace embers, yule logs

and spruce trees dotted with festive lights, a danger lurks.

Some of the most fundamental staples of Christmas celebrations can cause

as much heartache as happiness when carelessness, improper installation

or mishaps cause house and apartment fires.

“Fire knows no holidays, and dry Christmas trees burn like torches,”

fliers at the Newport Beach Fire and Marine Department said.

But achieving a fire-safe environment doesn’t necessitate becoming a

Grinch.

Following some simple tips from fire authorities is all it takes, and

many are common sense, said John Blauer, community relations officer with

the department.

“It’s really just about being practical,” he said.

Dry, unsafely lit Christmas trees are the biggest fire culprit, Blauer

said.

“A tree is always going to be a fire hazard to some extent,” he said.

“But by maintaining its freshness, we can minimize that.”

Some tree tips:

* Keep the fresh tree moist by securing it to a sturdy holder kept filled

with water. Cut two or three inches off the trunk so sap doesn’t prevent

the tree from getting water.

* Resist the urge to showcase the tree in a sun-filled window. “Even

sitting in the sun all day can cook it,” Blauer said. Stand the tree in a

shady spot, away from heat sources, where it doesn’t block exits.”

* Don’t throw tree branches in the fireplace. The “flash flames” can be

dangerous. After the holidays, cut up the branches and put them out for

trash pickup.

* Replace broken bulbs on light strings. One broken bulb could cause a

short, leading to a fire.

* Unplug indoor and outdoor lights before going to bed.

* Choose illumination carefully. Keep the tree away from flames on

candles, cigarette lighters and fireplaces.

Other tips:

* Carefully place decorations that are not flame resistant. “Every kid

brings home holiday art projects from school, and most are probably done

on paper,” Blauer said.