Christmas Fire Safety

October is Fire Prevention month. December should also bring a heightened awareness of potential fire causes and and how to help prevent them. We all laugh at the scene in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation when the cat chewed the wires and exploded then Uncle Lewis burned down the tree when lighting his cigar. This should act also as a reminder on how cautious you should be with all the Christmas and Holiday trees and candles.

During the holidays people should be extra cautious to prevent potentially deadly Holiday fires. Per the National Fire Protection Association:

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 31 reported home structure Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home structure fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of Christmas tree fires.
• More than half (56 percent) of home candle fires occur when something that can catch on fire is too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.

Ways to help prevent Christmas and Holiday fires:

• Keep Candles 12 inches from anything that can burn
• Water your Christmas tree every day.
• Check out lighting and other wires to ensure that they are not broken, cracked outside sheath, or look overly worn.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

from FEMA:

Any question or for more info please contact the GR Fire Department Facebook Page or call: (201) 670-3987.

Please support the GRFD:

The Glen Rock Fire Department is 100% volunteer organization. There are no paid firefighters — rather members of the GRFD respond to fire calls from their homes and businesses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The officers and members of the GRFD are proud to serve their community and welcome donations in any amount. Please click on the link below to make your tax deductible donation through PayPal using your credit or debit card. You can also send donations through the mail to the following address: