With Christmas just a few weeks away, many households and businesses will be putting up the traditional Christmas tree with its decorations, before switching on the lights.
It’s a magical sight and one which all enjoy, but safety is paramount and Fire & Safety Solutions (FASS) would like to take a minute or two to highlight being safe this Christmas with tree lights.
CE Marked Christmas tree lights
FASS would like to specifically reiterate the importance of buying quality, CE Marked Christmas tree lights purchased from a reputable store. If the lights are old or worn, please replace them with new lights, proudly displaying tree lights that have worked for 40 years may seem like a great anecdote, but they are potentially lethal.
Christmas trees often have presents placed around them, accelerating a fire should one break out from faulty lights, artificial trees are often made from plastic which melts and produces hazardous smoke as well as fire.
Danger from real trees
A highly combustible tree with the sap acting as an accelerant produces an intense fire that spreads rapidly
But the most significant danger comes from real trees. Lush green, pine-scented trees quickly dry out in centrally heated homes and workplaces, whilst they may still look green, within a couple of weeks they have dried significantly but are still filled with sap.
The result is a highly combustible tree with the sap acting as an accelerant, producing an intense fire that spreads rapidly.
In summary:
- Do not continue to use lights that are old and fatigued.
- Keep trees away from sources of ignition (i.e. candles, open fires).
- Do not store presents under trees as these act as further combustible material.
- Ensure a suitable and fully operating fire extinguisher is nearby.
- Always keep real trees watered and do not allow them to dry significantly.
- Be bright with Christmas lights, always buy CE-marked tree lights from a reputable store.
