Media contact: Edgar Zuniga
Regional Communications Manager
edgar.zuniga@redcross.org | 385-232-6300

What:   Christmas tree fire safety tips & fire hazard demonstration

When:  Friday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.

Where: Salt Lake City Fire Training Center, 1600 S. Industrial Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
 

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 21, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah is partnering with Salt Lake City Fire on Friday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., to demonstrate the potential dangers accompanying Christmas trees and holiday decorations and provide fire safety advice to help prevent holiday disasters.

At Friday’s event, firefighters will show how easily a dry Christmas tree goes up in flames. “Although Christmas tree fires are completely preventable, they still contribute to numerous fires during December and January,” said Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb. “We’ve teamed up with American Red Cross to demonstrate what can happen when Christmas trees are not properly cared for.”

Nearly one-third of all fires involving Christmas trees occur in January when real trees have become dried out and are easily ignited, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Watering your Christmas tree -- and unplugging holiday lights prior to going to sleep – are just two of the simple ways to make sure you enjoy the holidays safely.” Each year, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 160 home fires that start with Christmas trees, and nearly 800 home fires are started by holiday lights and decorations, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

“We know that Salt Lake City firefighters are ready to respond as is the Red Cross,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “But we hope that in teaching people how to take care of their Christmas trees and providing other safety tips, we can prevent these fires from happening in the first place. A dry tree is a dangerous tree.”

10 Christmas tree fire safety tips

1. Choose a healthy tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
2. Before placing a tree in its stand, cut two inches from the base of the trunk; this can help the tree to draw water. If the cut surface is allowed to dry, it will reduce the water uptake to the tree.
3. Always keep the tree well-watered.
   
4. Check the water level in the stand daily.
5.  Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source (e.g., space heaters, candles, fireplaces, heat vents, or lights).
6. Make sure the tree does not block an exit.
   
7. Only use decorative lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
   
8. Make sure light bulbs, strings, and connections are not broken or damaged.
   
9. Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
   
10. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
    

Home Fire Campaign saves lives
Installing smoke alarms and providing fire prevention information is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Since launching in October 2014, the effort has saved some 1,414 lives nationwide by helping families create escape plans, installing free smoke alarms, and providing education about fire safety. Visit redcross.org/homefires for more information.

There’s help available
If you can’t afford to buy smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross of Utah may be able to help. Any resident interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.