Holiday fire safety vigilance ensures winter wonderland

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Siuta B. Ika
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The winter holiday season brings many joys along with its festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, it also brings added fire hazards.

Officials with the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight remind everyone to remain vigilant when dealing with these added hazards.

"Pay attention. A little safety goes a long way," said Senior Airman Timothy McCutcheon, 49th CES fire inspector.

Some of the added fire hazards the winter holiday season brings include candles, ovens and stoves due to the added cooking and baking during the holidays, and holiday lights, both inside and outside, said Airman McCutcheon. And the biggest fire hazards are Christmas trees, he added.

"Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, which results in more than $13.8 million in property damage," said Harvey Stevens, assistant chief of Fire Prevention. "That's why it's so important to keep the tree watered."

Mr. Stevens said shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches typically start tree fires.

"It's also important to inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up," said Mr. Stevens. "Do not leave holiday lights on unattended and do not overload electrical outlets."

No matter what fire hazards are added during the winter holiday season, they all can be prevented, said Mr. Stevens.

For more information on fire safety and prevention tips, visit the United States Fire Administration Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/index.shtm or call the Holloman fire station at 575-572-7228.