SE Thurston Fire Authority wishes all of you a Merry Christmas!
The SE Thurston Fire Authority, also referred to as Yelm and Rainier Fire Department, urges residents to protect their homes by practicing fire safety during the holiday season.
Decorations including candles, lights, and Christmas trees are festive, but without safety precautions, they can become fire hazards.
- Regularly check your tree for fresh, green needles. Trees that have dried out over several weeks burn faster than fresher, well-watered trees. Remember to keep your tree watered daily.
- Keep your tree at least three feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents, and other sources of heat.
- Don’t place the tree where it blocks an exit.
- Check light strings for damage before decorating and turn off your holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree cannot catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
- Place candles and candle holders on a non-flammable surface to catch the melting candle wax. Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Use a fire screen to keep embers and logs from escaping when using a fireplace. Make sure all embers are fully extinguished before turning in for the night.
- Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries, if needed.