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Fire Safety

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Keep Your Tree from Becoming a Fire Hazard

Without proper care, a Christmas tree can turn into the perfect kindling. Borough and township fire chiefs offer tips to stay safe.

Fire safety is important all year long, but during the holidays, a dry tree, lights or other decorations can become a real fire danger. Jim Pignatello, Jr., the chief of the Chatham Township Fire Department, said, "A real tree can pose a fire hazard if not properly placed or cared for. Each year, more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees, and approximately 40 people die and 100 people are injured nationwide from these fires." Pignatello offered the following tips to residents to keep your family's Christmas trees from going up in flames: With a dry tree, just using the wrong set of lights can make a difference in staying safe. Here are some safety tips when it comes to your Christmas lights: The U.S. Fire Administration has …

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