Firefighters remind decorators to practice fire safety this holiday season

CORRECTION: Chief Ryan Reuter is connected with the Cooper County Fire Department, not the Boonville Fire Department.

Our crews talked with the Cooper County Fire Department’s Division Chief, Ryan Reuter about ways to practice fire safety this holiday season.

He says that while Christmas Tree fires aren’t common, but when they do happen they are typically dangerous.

For one in every 31 reported Christmas tree fires are deadly, that’s compared to other reported house fires where firefighters typically see one death out of 144 fires.

Reuter says checking lights is always important. Look for frayed or pinched wires and lights that do not work and throw those strands away. To significantly decrease chances of a fire buy LED lights.

Water the tree daily so it does not dry up, and make sure the tree is secure so it won’t fall down easily.

And if you plan on lighting any candles this holiday season, keep them far away from the trees.

During this holiday season, ABC17 has not seen any reports of Christmas tree fires.