Fire Prevention Tips For The Holiday Season

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - The holiday season is often marred by devastating fires because of carelessness with Christmas decorations.

Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones tells the KDKA Morning News his biggest concern is "when people bring home fresh cut trees right after Thanksgiving and let them dry out. That's a long time to have a tree inside your home, to try to maintain it. Just keep it moist so it doesn't create a problem."

Jones says the safest lights to use are LEDs, which use less energy and don't get as hot as traditional bulbs.

Two main causes of fire during the holiday season, experts say are cheap extension cords and stringing too many Christmas lights together.

FEMA safety officials also say that a heat source too close to your tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires. So keep your tree away from fireplaces and space heaters.

For more information about Christmas fire prevention safety, visit FEMA's website here.

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