Office of the Secretary of State: LIVE BURN OF “NATURAL” HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS TREES
- State Fire conducts public awareness campaign to educate how to properly maintain natural trees during the holidays

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

November 19, 2008

Contact: Lauren Rivera
(518) 474-4752


The Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), a division of the New York State Department of State, conducted a two-day demonstration showing the susceptibility to fire of improperly hydrated, “fresh cut” Christmas trees. The “Fire Safety” media event was designed to promote public awareness by illustrating the hazards associated with trees that are not properly maintained.

New York State Fire Administrator, Floyd Madison said: “We want this holiday season to be one of amazing joy and celebration for you and your family, free of tragedy. On average, 200 Christmas tree fires occur annually, causing 24 deaths. There is nothing more important than providing a safe home for your family. Many do not realize the hazards associated with a tree that is not properly maintained.”

The media was invited in to an activity OFPC conducted at the New York State Fire Academy, located in Montour Falls, New York, which took "natural," holiday trees of similar size and species and compared those that were fully hydrated against those that had not been watered for 5, 10, and 14 days. These test burns were conducted on Tuesday, November 18th. OFPC also invited the media in to shoot the LIVE BURN of a "natural," holiday tree in a furnished living room setting. The exercise, which took place on Wednesday, November 19th, showed ignition of the tree and rapid development of fire "flashover.”

This holiday season, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control is informing New Yorkers of the importance in keeping a natural tree properly hydrated. Trees not watered rapidly dry out which increases the risk of fire.

·ALWAYS keep the tree stand secure and filled with water.
·DO NOT place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
·KEEP open flames away from your tree. Never use candles as decorations.
·DO NOT put your live tree up too early or leave it up for too long.
·REMEMBER to check and make sure your smoke detector is working and never remove the battery to use for another purpose.

Have a festive, spirited and protected holiday season. This safety message is presented to you by the New York Department of State’s Office of Fire Prevention & Control.