Dear Editor:

The period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day is typically the most fire-deadly week of the year in Minnesota. Cooking, candles, decorations and fireplaces are the main culprits, but in every case, lack of caution plays a role. When holiday traditions add fire threats and we fail to take additional precautions, the outcome can quickly turn a holiday into a disaster.

As your state fire marshal, I ask readers to review the information below, clip it out and review it with your family. Perhaps you’ll hang it on the refrigerator with other special reminders and tokens of affection for your loved ones.

Cooking: The No. 1 cause of residential fires is because distracted cooks forget to watch the stovetop. Never leave a hot burner unattended; grease fires start in seconds. Keep clothing, clutter and children away from the stove, and your kitchen will be more fire-safe.

Candles: Candles belong in sturdy containers or holders, far from curtains, greenery, paper, gifts and children’s reach. Never leave them burning unattended.

Decorations: Water your natural tree every day. A fresh, green tree will hardly burn; a dry one can ignite an entire room in seconds. Be sure light cords are in good condition and don’t overload electrical sockets. Finally, keep greenery and heat sources three feet apart — and no fresh greens on the fireplace mantel!

Fireplaces: Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace; it’s a frequent cause of chimney fires. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected for a year or more, do it before you light that crackling holiday fire and the creosote build-up turns it into something very unpleasant.

Please share these tips with the people you love. Your Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division wishes you peace and joy during the holidays and throughout the year.

 

Jerry Rosendahl

state fire marshal

St. Paul