Since 1992
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By Vicki Schmidt
The holiday season, from Thanksgiving though New Years, is prime time for home structure fires for many reasons. These weeks are full of reasons for families to cook extravagant meals, decorate and celebrate. It is also a colder season that showcases an increased use of heating elements, which further increase the risk of home fires.
Thanksgiving is a busy day for firefighters – nationally, there are nearly four times as many home cooking fires than on a typical day. In 2018, three Maine families in Limington, Dixfield and Sumner were left homeless because home structure fires during the holiday season.
The two most common causes of holiday fires – cooking and candles – are also the two most easily prevented. Unattended candles cause more than 20 structure fires every day in the United States, with three times that many occurring on Christmas Day alone. Many of these fires spread quickly because of decorations that are too close to the candle or other heat source. Suffice it to say, never leave any candle or anything you are cooking unattended.
Check your chimney, fireplaces and wood stoves weeks before you plan your first fires. Squirrels, mice, birds and other critters savor these as summer living spaces. As you enjoy a cozy crackling fire, ensure that wrapping paper, decorations and other flammable materials are kept at least three feet away. Use a fire screen to keep embers and escaping debris enclosed.
A few other holiday season fire facts and ways to help prevent holiday fires:
* Electrical cords, outlets, and lighting are involved in nearly half of all home Christmas tree fires. Fully inspect all electrical equipment before using it. Discard and replace any worn or suspect items.
* New Years Day is peak for fires caused by fireworks. In fact, 10 percent of all fires caused by fireworks occur from Dec. 30 through Jan. 3. The best way to prevent fires caused by fireworks is to leave fireworks to the professionals.
* More than 1,000 fires are caused each year by deep fryers. If you use a deep fryer for your turkey, ensure that the turkey is completely thawed before cooking. Isolate the fryer from decks, garages, patios and all flammable items.
* Whether you choose a live or artificial Christmas tree, ensure all electrical hardware is operating safely. Electrical malfunctions on any kind of Christmas tree can start a fire. If you choose a live tree, check it every day and keep it well watered.
* Keep a fully charged and properly sized fire extinguisher handy. Consider several if you have a large home or extended decks and social areas. And more importantly, make sure you and your family know how to use it.
* Before leaving your home, or retiring for the night, check twice to confirm all holiday lights and heating elements are turned off, candles are completely.
— Vicki Schmidt is a Maine state fire instructor and volunteers with the Buckfield Fire Department, as well as several regional and state fire training organizations.
