Fire officials give advice to prevent Christmas tree fires
Dec 9, 2024, 3:00 PM | Updated: 7:15 pm
The Salt Lake City Fire Dept. demonstrates how easily a Christmas tree fire can start. (Adam Small, KSL NewsRadio)
(Adam Small, KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY — As the holidays approach, firefighters offered advice to prevent Christmas tree fires. They say it is vital to properly care for and water your tree.
Salt Lake City Fire Cpt. Brandt Hancuff spoke Monday at a controlled, outdoor demonstration of Christmas tree fires.
“Where you have totally enclosed walls, that heat [gets] trapped in that room which just increases the fire growth rapidly and then the smoke builds up,” he said.
Hancuff said circumstances can get worse when trees are inside a warm, enclosed space.
One candle sent a dry Christmas tree up in flames in seconds followed by a couch, chair, and presents under the tree. Everything turned to ash in a just few minutes.
Fire officials urged people to water their trees and keep them at least three feet from candles and space heaters. Additionally, lights should be turned off when the tree is unattended. These are simple steps to prevent disaster before it happens.
“If we can prevent a fire, then we’ve done our job,” said Huncuff. “Obviously, we’re working, 24/7, 365 days a week. We’ll be [at] your emergency if you need us. But if we can prevent that emergency, that’s better for us.”
Adam Small is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. He primarily reports on the Great Salt Lake and Natural Resources. Follow him on Facebook and X.
Related: How to select and care for a living Christmas tree
