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Christmas trees can quickly turn into a blazing inferno if the proper precautions are not taken, officials warn.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has reminded consumers to keep real trees hydrated to avoid potential fires this season. The warning comes as a growing number of consumers are buying trees earlier than usual, especially real conifers that need to be watered.
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However, even consumers who buy an artificial tree should be wary. The CPSC says to make sure the label on an artificial tree says it is fire resistant.
The warnings are part of a comprehensive list of safety tips issued by the agency to warn consumers of the dangers of holiday decorating, which have been the root of hundreds of tragedies in recent years.
According to the latest data from the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees are responsible for an average of 160 home fires each year. According to the NFPA, these fires have caused an average of three deaths, 15 injuries and about $ 10 million in direct damage to property.
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Meanwhile, decorations, excluding Christmas trees, averaged 780 residential structure fires, resulting in multiple deaths and $ 12 million in direct property damage, according to the NFPA.
In both cases, officials say heat sources, including candles and lighting equipment, were part of the problem.
In addition to making sure the tree is hydrated or flame resistant, the CPSC says consumers should remember to place lighted candles in sight and away from flammable items. They should also be blown out before anyone leaves a room.
Only lamps whose safety has been tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory should be used when decorating. Assemblies with broken or cracked plugs, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections should be discarded.
Although it is early in the season, the warning comes as wholesale tree planters and small ‘cut yourself’ lots are already reporting high demand.
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“The season is about six to seven days ahead of what we’ve seen in the past. We’ve never seen a demand like we’ve had this year, ”said McKenzie Cook, who ships between 1.8 million and 2 million trees a year from McKenzie Farms in Oregon and Happy. Holiday Christmas Trees in North Carolina.
As demand grows, big box stores are looking for fresh trees up to a week earlier than last year, and Walmart is offering free home delivery for the first time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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