Yuletide logs make for a cozy fire but the Roosevelt Fire Department wants to remind people about the dangers of Christmas tree fires. It is estimated that an average of 200 homes a year suffered structure fires started by Christmas trees. Sadly these fires have resulted in a yearly average of 6 deaths, 16 individuals injured and $14.8 million dollars in property damage. It is not common to have Christmas tree fires but when they happen, they are more deadly. One in thirty-two reported Christmas tree fires resulted in death compared to one in a hundred forty-seven of reported home fires. Stay alert to the danger this time of year as 80% of Christmas tree fires occurred in December or January. Keep heat sources (including candles or equipment) away from trees. One quarter of the tree fires started that way, which in turn lead to 80% of the deaths.
