Public Service Announcement

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Reminds HRM Residents About Natural Christmas Tree Fire Safety

(Monday, November 26, 2007) - When purchasing "natural" Christmas trees, there are some simple tests you can perform to ensure the tree is "fresh."

1. Needles should be green and hard to pull back from the branches.
2. Needles should be flexible and not break when bent.
3. A tree trunk should be "sticky" to the touch if the tree is fresh.
4. "Old" trees can be detected by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut for too long.

When placing your Christmas Tree, ensure it is not located near sources of heat, (wood stoves, electric heaters, furnace vents.) Tree stands should always be filled with water. Trees should not be kept for more than 2-3 weeks. Never dispose of needles or tree limbs in fireplaces or wood stoves.

Christmas decorations should be non combustible, and all lights and electric cords should have the CSA or ULC certification mark. Before using, check cords and lights for frayed wiring, nicks or cuts in insulation. As a rule of thumb, no more than three light sets should be strung together unless the manufacturer states otherwise. Check the boxes the lights came in.

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency wishes all HRM residents a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Please stay Fire Safe

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Public Education Officer
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency
(902) 490-4017