Firefighters offer Christmas tree safety tips

GLASGOW, Ky. – It’s almost Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations are already making their appearance.

Christmas trees can be beautiful but practicing fire safety is essential this holiday season.

The Glasgow Fire Department is giving the public some fire safety tips involving holiday cooking and decorating.

Officials at the department say you should not have decorations near an open flame, keep your real Christmas trees watered throughout the season, and do not leave the house unattended while cooking your turkey in the oven this Thanksgiving.

“An un-watered Christmas tree within 30 seconds will be fully involved, whereas a watered Christmas tree is going to give you a little more reaction time to be able to get out of the house,” says Glasgow Fire Department Chief Dereck Rogers.

The department will also dip your Christmas tree in a fire retardant to further protect your home from a fire.

The coating is still flammable but will essentially put itself out once the tree is no longer in direct contact with flames.

Firefighter Tyler Solum also wants to remind the public to be mindful of your furry friends this holiday season.

“Cats will get up in them and chew on the wires and cause shorts. Dogs can knock candles over, so, anything that can cause a fire, keep it away from the tree itself,” Solum said.

And, with Thanksgiving coming up, turkey lovers are encouraged to use caution when frying with oil.