Excerpts from theHeraldNews.com:
Residents can check to see if there has been a holiday decorations-related fire in their area just by passing the local fire station. If a wreath is lit up completely red, there have been no fires associated with decorations. But if there is a white light on the wreath, it means a fire has occurred during the current holiday season.
The red wreath is one of Illinois fire agencies’ longstanding holiday traditions. It’s part of a campaign to spread safety awareness when putting up lights and other decorations around the home. The “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign was adopted 35 years ago by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. Now several area fire agencies are a part of the campaign.
Plainfield Fire Protection District Inspector Mary Kay Ludemann said the campaign has been working. The last time the district had to change a bulb in its wreath to white was five years ago, when a candle started a residential fire, Ludemann said. She said cooking is the biggest culprit of fires during the holidays, partly because of the amount of family gatherings.
Several other factors are leading to greater fire safety, such as flameless candles that give off a traditional candle scent and more use of artificial Christmas trees.
Romeoville Assistant Fire Chief Jon Ibrahim said technology has played a large part in reducing decoration-related fires. “It’s a way during the time of the year to remind residents to be a little extra safe,” Ibrahim said. “Accidental fires are caused by Christmas decorations, but also by using candles and disposing of the Christmas tree.”
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HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY TIPS
• Water real Christmas trees daily and keep them at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
• After Christmas, get rid of the tree in a safe place, not in a garage, home or against the home. They are potent fire hazards when dried out.
• Use lights rated for outdoor use outdoors.• Don’t overload outlets. Have surge protectors.
• Make sure the chimney is clean before starting fires.
• Keep an eye on candles. December is peak season for candle fires.
