Preventing Fires During the Holiday Season in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The Missoula Rural Fire District is once again asking residents to be extremely cautious with anything that might cause or catch fire during the holiday season.

I spoke with Battalion Chief Michael Bowman on Thursday about some important safety tips this Christmas season.

Missoula Rural Fire Asks Everyone to Be Careful About Holiday Fire Safety

“The holidays are inevitably busy for us, especially the couple of days before Christmas,” began Chief Bowman. “A lot of the things that we tell people as far as Christmas; everybody goes crazy with Christmas lights, and everybody likes their real trees, and so we just caution people with the use of extension cords, and other things that might pose a hazard.”

Bowman asked residents to be aware of Christmas lights that should be used indoors or outdoors and to follow safety directions carefully.

“There are some Christmas lights that are intended for outdoor use,” he said. “Some of them are intended just for inside use, and some brands are for both indoor and outdoor use. We always want people to make sure they know what they're getting, and that the brand of lights that they get or order have a UL testing label on them.”

Chief Bowman says Keep Your Tree Well-Watered Throughout the Season

Bowman cautions those with real trees to keep them well watered throughout the season.

“Unplugging lights when you're not intending them to be used is important,” he said. “If you have a real Christmas tree, you want to make sure you're watering that tree every day and pay attention to the needles. If the needles start getting dry and you shake a branch and the needles all fall off the tree is most likely dead, and that poses a problem. It does not take a whole lot for those dry trees to catch fire if there was a flame present.”

Bowman Said Unattended Candles Can Often Start Fires During the Holidays

Bowman asks people to be especially careful with real candles.

“Candles are dangerous all year long,” he said. “Obviously, we caution people if you're going to use candles, just don't leave them unattended, or don't leave the house with them still burning. Blow out the candles when you go to bed. We don't want people to leave candles unattended, so please use candle holders. That's really an important thing, candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily.”

One more tip from Missoula Rural Fire, check your smoke alarms and change the batteries during the holidays.

Get more details about fire safety during the holidays here.