Las Cruces fire chief: Have a fire safe holiday season

Here are some words of wisdom for the holiday season from Las Cruces Fire Chief Jason Smith:

“Celebrate your holidays safely, don’t overload electrical outlets, avoid using open flame candles and if you are celebrating with a fresh-cut Christmas tree, remember to water it often and keep it away from heating sources. Your Las Cruces Fire Department wishes all of our residents a very happy and safe Christmas and holiday season.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments responded to an average of 160 Christmas-tree fires per year, causing $10 million in property damage, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division said in a news release. Candles cause 45 percent of home decoration fires in December, with Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day the worst days of the year for candle fires.

Here are steps you can take to ensure holiday safety, according to the state Forestry Division:

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched. Cut the tree trunk 2 inches from the base when you get it home and add water to the tree stand daily. One quart of water per inch of trunk diameter is a good rule of thumb.
• If you prefer an artificial tree, make sure you purchase a flame-resistant model.
• Don’t place your tree too close to electrical or heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators and candles.
• Check your holiday lights for frayed wires or excessive wear before you hang them and don’t exceed the maximum number of light strands that can be connected.
• Touch test your extension cords after plugging them in to ensure they are not hot. Don’t tuck them under the tree skirt or area rugs.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended and always unplug tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed.
• If your Christmas tree catches fire, call 911. Even if you extinguish the blaze, it’s best to have professional firefighters assess the situation and make sure it’s safe.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.
• Finally, always have a home escape plan ready and practice it with your family and guests.