Focus on Fire Safety-Christmas Trees

[firefightersteve]

Video Links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_eHBqVYa8A&feature=related
Wet -vs- Dry Tree: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/media/drytreefire/comparison_wetdry.wmv

*How long does it take a dry Scotch Pine Christmas Tree to become fully engulfed in flames once ignited? Three seconds!

*How long does it take for the flames from the burning tree to increase to the point where they will reach across a ceiling? Five Seconds!

*How long does it take for the contents in an average living room to be heated to a point of spontaneous ignition from the heat of a burning Christmas tree? Forty Seconds!

All can occur in less than a minute and it should be noted that at fifty seconds the environment in the simulated living room above becomes unsurvivable.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Ensure That You Are Purchasing a Fresh Christmas Tree
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree
Never let a fresh cut Christmas tree's water reservoir go dry. The average Christmas tree will absorb over a gallon of water in the first hour after being cut and will absorb a quart or more water per day after that. 

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Ensure that you use a sturdy tree stand and keep it filled with water at all times.

Electrical Lighting
Only use Christmas lights which are in excellent working condition. Inspect light strings for any signs of damage to the plugs, wiring, or bulbs. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the use of lights and remember not to overload the wiring by connect to many strings in a row. Take care that light strings are secured away from the tree's water reservoir.

Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Dry Christmas tree branches can ignite and burn at a rate similar to that of an explosion. When trees becomes dry, discard them promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Artificial Christmas Trees
It is best not to assume that your artificial tree is fire resistant. Ensure that your tree contains documentation regarding it's fire safety and fire resistance. And remember, no artificial Christmas tree is fire proof!

References:
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/research/dsn/dry_tree.shtm