Las Cruces Fire Department offers tips to prevent holiday fires

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The holidays bring warmth and joy, but they can also increase the risk of residential fires. To help residents stay safe this season, the Las Cruces Fire Department has issued a list of precautions to reduce fire hazards associated with holiday traditions.

Christmas tree safety

• Choose wisely: If buying a real tree, select one with green, pliable needles and a sticky trunk. Avoid trees with shedding needles, as they are already dry and more flammable.
• Placement matters: Keep trees away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters or vents, and ensure the stand is always filled with water to prevent drying out.
• Proper disposal: Do not burn trees in fireplaces or wood stoves. Instead, recycle them or arrange for community pick-up services.

Holiday lights

• Inspect before use: Check for frayed wires, bare spots, broken sockets or worn insulation on light strands.
• Avoid overheating: Use lights with caution, particularly those with heat-generating bulbs that could dry out a tree or wood trim, increasing fire risk.
• Don’t overload outlets: Limit outlets to three light strands. If the wiring feels warm, it’s overloaded.

General decorations

• Flame-resistant materials: Use non-flammable or flame-retardant decorations and keep them away from heat sources.
• Candles and luminarias: Place candles in stable holders and keep them away from trees and other combustibles. Always extinguish candles and unplug holiday lights before leaving home.

Wrapping paper and artificial trees

• Avoid burning paper: Wrapping paper can create sparks or lead to dangerous chemical buildup in fireplaces.
• Inspect artificial trees: Metallic or pre-wired trees should be flame-retardant and their lights should be inspected for safety.

Smoke detector safety

The fire department reminds residents to ensure working smoke detectors are installed on every floor and near all sleeping areas. Batteries should be replaced every six months.

By following these tips, residents can enjoy a safe and fire-free holiday season.