BULLHEAD CITY — The Bullhead City Fire Department reminds residents to prioritize fire safety throughout the holiday season. According to the latest data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2017 and 2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 150 home fires per year started by Christmas trees.
These incidents tragically resulted in annual averages of two civilian deaths, 11 injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage. By following these updated safety tips, you can help prevent a devastating tree-related fire in your home:
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
- Artificial Trees: Ensure your artificial tree is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
- Fresh Trees: Select a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off easily. Before placing it in the stand, cut 1–2 inches from the base of the trunk and place it immediately in water.
- Water your tree daily to keep it from drying out.
· Placement: Set up your tree at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, or heat vents. Never block exits with your tree.
- Inspect lights before use. Replace any string with worn or broken cords, loose bulbs, or faulty connections.
- Lights: Only decorate with lights that have been tested and labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Do not connect more than three strands of lights together unless the manufacturer’s instructions state it is safe.
- Never use candles to decorate a Christmas tree.
- Turn Off Lights: Always turn off all Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- After the Holidays: Remove the tree from your home promptly after Christmas or when it becomes dry. Dried-out trees are a serious fire hazard and should never be stored in your home, garage, or outside against the house.
Smoke Alarm Safety: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
· On floors without bedrooms, install alarms in the living or family room, or near stairways to upper levels.
· Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
If you need additional information or assistance with smoke alarms, please contact our Community Risk Reduction Division at 928-758-3971.
Stay safe and enjoy a fire-free holiday season!
