The holidays are a time for festive family gatherings. Unfortunately, it is also a season of a heightened risk of house fires.
Two fires on Dec. 6, which both started in chimneys, are a reminder of the dangers during the winter in general and the holiday season in particular. Late that night, smoke alarms alerted residents of a home at 1524 Southampton Road in Montgomery to the fire that spread through the house from the chimney. The house was a total loss and while the family escaped, Montgomery Fire Chief Stephen P. Frye collapsed at the scene and died.
Earlier that day, smoke detectors sounded in a house at 63 Gunn Road in Southampton and residents quickly summoned firefighters. There were no injuries and damage from the fire was estimated at $25,000.
“Have smoke detectors,” advised homeowner Ken Piper, whose family has lived in the house since 1977. “Ours went off and at that point I grabbed the phone and called 911, and the response was unbelievable.
“It’s tough being Christmas time, but thank God that we have a wonderful fire department. When it comes down to it, they are lifesavers.”
Thursday night, a woman died in a house fire in Oxford.
More fires occur in Massachusetts homes on Christmas than any other day of the year except Thanksgiving, according to the state fire marshal’s office. “Please make fire safety part of your celebrations,” said Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “Start by making sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.”
With the arrival of colder temperatures, it’s also important to make sure that chimneys are checked for defects by professionals, and wood-burning stoves are cleaned and maintained. Ashes should be placed in a metal can with a lid outside the house and away from other structures, including garages.
The fire marshal’s office recommends keeping any combustibles, including holiday decorations, at least three feet away from sources of heat.
Increased use of candles during this season also is a hazard. “Many of the holidays celebrated at this time of year use candles,” said Ostroskey. “Sadly, the increased candle use at this time of year also causes a boost in candle fires,” particularly on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. He advises people to burn candles no closer than a foot from anything flammable.
On Christmas night last year, a fire caused by an unattended candle left burning near flammable holiday decorations in the kitchen of a home on Karen Lane in Southampton spread into the attic, according to Fire Chief John Workman. Though no one was injured, damage to the house was estimated at $100,000.
Christmas trees need proper care to minimize the risk of fire. “Although Christmas tree fires are rare these days, they are very serious when they do occur,” Ostroskey said.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that one-third of Christmas tree fires in homes result from electrical problems, and one-quarter start when a tree is placed too close to a fireplace, woodstove, radiator or space heater.
Live trees should be watered every day, and decorative lights should be checked for frayed wires or other defects. Bulbs should not touch the tree, tree skirt or wrapped gifts. “Turn off the tree when leaving the house or going to bed,” Ostroskey advised. “Consider using a timer so you won’t forget.”
He added, “Start the new year off right by promptly disposing of your Christmas tree. A dried-out tree will ignite quickly and spread a fire very fast … even a well-watered tree quickly dries out and becomes a danger.”
Outdoor electrical decorations should be securely anchored with insulated holders or hooks and plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter, which may be installed permanently by an electrician. Portable units also are available for outdoor use. Nails, staples and tacks should not be put through wires.
Heeding these common-sense precautions — not just during the holidays, but year-round — help reduce the chances for a tragic fire.