Protect your home: holiday safety tips from Paso Robles firefighters 

Nearly half of decoration fires caused by heat source placement

– Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Department is urging residents to stay vigilant as the holiday season approaches. In the U.S., an average of 835 home structure fires are caused annually by holiday decorations (excluding Christmas trees), resulting in 3 deaths, 30 injuries, and $14 million in property damage each year.

Nearly half of these fires start because decorations are placed too close to heat sources.

“It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire,” said Paso Robles Fire Captain and Paramedic Ross Porter. “As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.”

Holiday safety tips:

• Check holiday lights: Inspect each strand for frayed or pinched wires and discard damaged lights.
• Use flameless candles: Battery-operated candles are a safer alternative that mimic the look, smell, and feel of real candles.
• Secure real candles: If you use real candles, ensure they are in stable holders and away from areas where they could be easily knocked over.
• Opt for fire-resistant artificial trees: Look for a label indicating fire resistance when purchasing an artificial tree.
• Care for live trees:
  • Water your tree daily to reduce fire risk.
  • Cut two inches off the trunk before setting it up to improve water absorption.
  • Place the tree away from fireplaces, furnaces, or any heat source.
  • Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors.

Taking these precautions can help ensure a safe and festive holiday season.

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About the author: News Staff

The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.