Firefighters urge residents to stay safe this holiday season

Holiday decorations make things merry and bright, and local firefighters hope to help families stay safe so they can enjoy them this season.

He said people can keep their live trees safe by cutting a few inches off the bottom of the trunk to ensure the tree gets enough water.

"Squeeze the needles in your hand, and if they come off, it's too dry," he said. "And, don't use candles around a tree."

Jack Spurgeon, assistant fire chief in Bristol, Tenn., said live Christmas trees shouldn't be too near a heat source.

He also said people shouldn't put tree branches into a fireplace or woodstove, as that creates a danger of flying sparks and embers.

"And, don't throw wrapping paper in the fireplace," he said, for the same reason.

Both fire officials suggest that people have their chimneys inspected by a professional before lighting the first roaring fire of the season.

"The only thing a [homeowner] can do is look at the firebox to make sure [ there are] no loose mortars, but as far as seeing up the flue, there are professionals that can do that," Spurgeon said.

Lights are also potential dangers and should be inspected before installed, Spurgeon said.

"Check the wiring for any frayed wires," he said. "Any kink areas will generate a lot of heat buildup. And if you pile the lights up as you're stringing them, and they're on, that will generate a lot of heat."

Bolling said consumers should look for UL-approved light sets, as they've been tested for risk of fire and electric shock. He said LED lights are safer because they're usually not as hot as older light sets.

"When you use the lights, don't leave them on when you're not home," he said. "And as for extension cords, don't overburden them and make sure you're home when using it."

There is a spike in fires this time of year, Bolling said, mostly because people are turning their heat on for the first time in months.

"People turn the knob down [in their wall heaters] thinking it's off – they're not off," he said. "Every year in the first cold snap we'll find the wall heater will turn on and ignite something [people have set] in front of it. People need to keep a 3 foot clearance around heating systems."

Spurgeon said there are more kitchen fires during this time of year, too – from Thanksgiving to New Year's – because food is a big part of the season and people are likely to cook for families that visit.

Both stressed the importance of smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

Bolling said carbon monoxide can leak into homes when appliances that burn fossil fuels – gas heaters, wood stoves, gas furnaces – burn incompletely.

"It's colorless and odorless," he said. "You won't know it's there. Often there are flu-like symptoms, if you feel bad and move into fresh air and it goes away, you've got a problem."

Carbon monoxide is also a problem in garages attached to homes, he said. Those want to start the car so it can war up should move it outside the garage, he added.