NAPLES - The number of fires increases around the holidays as people begin using lights and candles, and presents and decorations become easy fuel.
Naples Fire Chief Steve McInerny said preventing such fires begins with your Christmas tree.
If you're buying a real tree this year, make sure it's not dry and brown, he said, as those trees are more flammable.
"Pick out a fresh tree, one with green needles that don't fall off when you lightly pull your hand across the branches," McInerny said.
When you bring the tree home, be sure to stick it in water and keep it watered throughout the holidays to maintain that freshness, he said.
"It's amazing how much water will be absorbed by the tree," he said. "As time goes on, the danger increases as the tree dries out."
The following rules go for both real and artificial trees.
Place your tree in an area of your home so that it maintains a 3-foot distance from heat sources, such as open flames or heaters, and so that it is not blocking any doorways.
When decorating, use lights from a certified manufacturer. McInerny suggests lights with the "UL" label by Underwriters Laboratory or the "FM" label for Factory Mutual.
It's important not to string more than three sets of lights together, and to only use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
Finally, be sure to turn your lights off before leaving the house or retiring for the night, McInerny said.
Facts about home holiday fires
One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
Although Christmas tree fires are uncommon, when they do occur. They are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 40 reported home structure Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home structure fires.
A heat source too close to a tree causes roughly one in every six of Christmas tree fires.
More than half (56 percent) of home candle fires occur when something that can catch on fire is too close to the candle.
December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11 percent of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4 percent the rest of the year.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
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