Holiday Fire Safety Begins at Home Warns State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer

LANSING, MI - With the holiday season and colder temperatures upon us, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is reminding Michiganders of the increased risk for home fires. Common holiday hazards such as unattended candles, space heaters, damaged lights, and dry Christmas trees significantly increase the risk of residential fires this time of year.

"It is vital that all Michiganders follow basic fire safety tips to help keep friends and family safe and avoid tragedy this holiday season,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “A dry Christmas tree is extremely flammable, and these types of fires can turn deadly within seconds, allowing little time for escape.”

This video demonstrates how quickly a dry Christmas tree burns, causing the whole room to ignite in less than one minute, compared to a tree watered daily.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of residential fires caused by candles peaks during the holidays, especially on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Many of these fires are caused by unattended candles, often left burning when residents fall asleep or leave their homes without extinguishing them.

LARA strongly encourages Michigan residents, especially caregivers, to watch this fire safety video to better help those you care about increase their chances of surviving a residential fire.

Here are some holiday fire prevention safety tips:

• Christmas Trees
    o Check the water level every day.
    o Keep candles, space heaters, and other flammable materials away.
    o Do not use lights with worn or tattered cords.
    o Unplug lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.

• Space Heaters
    o Keep a clear space of three feet around the heater.
    o Never sleep with your space heater on; utilize only when you are awake.
    o Unplug the heater when leaving the room.

• Candles 
    o Keep away from Christmas trees, decorations, curtains, and furniture that can catch fire.
    o Always keep candles up high to prevent them getting knocked over by children and pets.
    o Never leave lit candles unattended.

As fire fatalities continue to climb, it is important to remember that fires can happen to anyone at any time. Escaping a fire in less than two minutes is only possible with working smoke alarms, closed doors between you and the fire, and practicing your escape plan. Families need to develop and regularly practice a fire escape plan.

For additional fire safety information, visit MI Prevention.