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News
LANSING – People between the ages of 40 and 69 are at the greatest risk to die in residential fires in Michigan, according to state data. During the holiday season, unattended candles, space heaters, worn lights and dry Christmas trees increase the risk of having a home fire.
“This is the peak season for home fires,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “It is vital that all Michiganders follow basic fire safety tips to help keep friends and family safe and avoid tragedy this holiday season.”
In many cases, fires that occur around the holidays are caused by unattended candles left burning, either when the resident falls asleep or leaves the home with the candle left burning. The top three days for home candle fires occur on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Candles should be placed up high and out-of-reach for children and pets, and away from curtains and upholstered furniture. Battery-operated candles are a safer option.
Dry, unwatered Christmas trees can ignite an entire room in less than one minute, according to a release sent out by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. For safety purposes, LARA advises checking a Christmas tree’s water level daily, and keeping it far from candles, space heaters and smoking materials. It is also important to use Christmas lights that are in good condition; beware of tattered cords.
Christmas trees and candles are not the only devices that should be treated with caution. LARA also advises keeping space heaters at least three feet from any burnable objects, including people. Space heaters should not be used overnight or while sleeping, and should be unplugged when rooms are empty.
A solid escape plan, which should be able to be executed in less than two minutes, hinges on working smoke alarms and closed doors separating individuals from the smoke. Tips for creating a fire safety plan are available on MI Prevention’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@miprevention3341.