Golden Valley Fire Department Stresses The Importance Of Holiday Fire Safety

Press release from the City of Golden Valley:

December 21, 2020

Recently the Golden Valley Fire Department has responded to multiple fire calls centered around open flame candles and cooking. The GVFD wants to take this time to remind residents to be careful this time of year as holiday celebrations often increase fire risks.

Candles

Fires caused by candles peak in the months of December and January according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Candles should always be kept at least one foot away from anything that can burn and should be blown out whenever leaving the room. Safer alternatives are flameless, battery operated candles.

Cooking

December 25 is the second most common day for cooking fires and according to the NFPA cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries in the United States. To help prevent cooking fires, stay in the kitchen when cooking on a stovetop and use a timer (on oven, egg timer, timer on cell phone) to remind you to check on food cooking.

Decorations

Holiday decorations are another significant cause of fires. These fires are most common when decorations like trees are too close to a heat source like a candle or fireplace. Live trees need to be watered regularly to slow them from drying out. Watch this video showing how fast a dry tree becomes fully engulfed in flames compared to a well-watered tree.

For more information, visit the NFPA website.

This press release was produced by the City of Golden Valley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.