Christmas Tree Danger

 

Christmas has come and gone, but the festive feeling of the season continues. We enjoy keeping our decoration shining and our tree glowing. But as the weeks wear on we have to be very vigilant about the condition of our Christmas Trees. Have you been taking care to water and maintain it?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) there are estimated annual averages of 210 home fires that begin with Christmas trees. The NIST advises that “A Christmas tree which has dry needles can readily ignite with a flaming source and generate heat release rates that are capable of causing flashover in residential scale rooms.”

Arson Awareness Week, May 4-10, 2008

 

The Smithtown Fire Department is joining with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to promote this year’s Arson Awareness Week theme: “Toy like Lighters-Playing with Fire.” The goal of this year’s Arson Awareness Week is to focus public attention on the dangers of toy like or novelty lighters in the hands of children. These toy like or novelty lighters have been responsible for deaths, injuries, and accidents in the state and across the nation.

Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys. Many of these lighters are made in the shape of animals, cars, mobile phones, guns, cameras, dolls, and action figures and the like, all attractive items to children.

Brush Fire Season

 With warmer weather comes dry vegetation that can result in brush fires that burn and spread quickly. In the last few days the Smithtown Fire Department has answered alarms for 3 brush fires.

 It is important to take into consideration some landscaping and home maintenance tips to ensure safe surroundings.