Make sure your Christmas tree isn’t too close to the fire when you add another yule log to the fireplace this holiday season.
The provincial government has issued a dozen tips to help residents stay on top of fire safety as Christmas draws near.
Fire Marshal Michael Lewis says that preventing fires will help more families than your own enjoy the festive spirit.
“Many of our communities are protected by volunteers. By making sure that we have a fire-safe holiday, it means that they’re able to enjoy their holiday with their family as well.”
In addition to maintaining social distance due to the pandemic, Lewis encourages families to make sure their heat sources and combustibles are kept several feet apart as well.
He says it’s also important to ensure your tree doesn’t dry out.
“It’s a matter of making sure you’re keeping those tree well-watered, you’re adding water every day. And then as soon as Christmas is over, you begin to take down those items in a timely fashion.”
As the weather turns colder, now is a good time to ensure your heating devices like gas or wood stoves are well-cleaned and maintained.
Lewis also recommends keeping combustibles like gift wrap out of the way of heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.
“Make sure you’re keeping all of those combustibles at least three feet away from that,” he said. “And just make sure those materials are piled up, put into a garbage bag, and (disposed of) accordingly. If you recycle, recycle it. But make sure it’s well away from the fireplace.”
