One fire season down, one more to go. The summer wildfire season is over but the winter house fire season is just beginning.

As most Utahns start to think about Christmas trees, lights and chestnuts roasting over an open fire, an annual reminder is being issued to residents not to let fire ruin their holiday cheer.

The Salt Lake County Fire Department responded to about a dozen house fires last winter directly related to candles, incense or a dry Christmas tree, said Captain Jay Ziolkowski. The total damage caused by those fires was about $300,000.

Thirty percent of all residential fires and 36 percent of fire-related deaths occur November through January, Ziolkowski said. In almost all of those cases, the fires are preventable.

A big safety tip to remember is not to bring portable kerosene heaters in the home. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of house fires in the United States, Ziolkowski said.

In addition to creating a fire hazard, the heaters also produce carbon monoxide, which usually does not get adequate ventilation inside a home.

After you pick out that Christmas tree that will sit in your house for the next few weeks, Ziolkowski recommends applying a fire retardant to it.

Use a tree stand that can hold at least one gallon of water, Ziolkowski said. If needles start falling off the tree, that means it's too dry and he recommends getting a new one.

Ziolkowski also recommends using only UL-approved lights on the tree. And don't forget to check for damaged wires.

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Even though Utah has already had a streak of cold weather, Ziolkowski said residents should still get their chimneys inspected before using the fireplace for the season. Never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out of the chimney and set the roof on fire, Ziolkowski said.

Finally, be careful with candles. Make sure they are kept away from decorations and other combustible materials. Candles should be displayed in a place that is out of the reach of children, Ziolkowski said.

After lighting the candles, Ziolkowski said, remember to put the matches where children can't reach them.


E-MAIL: preavy@desnews.com

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