By Julie BUTCHER

A Christmas tree was set ablaze by the Glendale Fire Dept. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 to emphasize the potential dangers of the season. In a controlled setting at the Glendale Fire Training Center, firefighters showed what happens when a hot toaster-oven gets too close to a dry tree.

Fire Captain/Arson Investigator Jon Payne timed the blaze at 40 seconds.

“You all just saw how quickly that tree went up,” he said. “Last year, we had at least 10 fire calls that involved Christmas trees. This year, we’re aiming to do everything we can to keep everyone safe. Ideally, we’d like to see no more fires of any kind for the rest of the year,” Payne told a crowd assembled for the demonstration. “You see here what happens when a typical Christmas tree comes in contact with a credible heat source. It can catch on fire so quickly as to make it impossible to escape.”

Payne had other tips for ensuring that homes are kept fire-safe this holiday season. These include keeping cut Christmas trees well-watered, watching where they’re put – not too close to the fireplace for instance, making sure smoke detectors are working and never leaving an open flame unattended – this includes candles.

Captain Payne urged, “Turn off your tree lights and all your holiday lights when you go out. If you’re using your fireplace for the first time this year, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a professional. Only put material meant for your fireplace in it. Don’t throw your wrapping paper in it, for example; it has additives that are potentially toxic.”

Cyrus Rangan, M.D., assistant medical director of the California Poison Control System, pointed to a table laid out with holiday dangers.

“The stories are often very similar: things are hectic, there’s less supervision of young children, and there are new and added hazards everywhere,” Dr. Rangan said. “Decorations often have small parts that can be dangerous. For some reason, small children love to take things apart and have been known to swallow those little batteries inside toys. They’re poisonous.”

He noted that the most typical calls to poison control regard common household items, adding a recent concern about marijuana edibles.

“It’s a significant problem, especially with young children,” Dr. Rangan explained. “Some of the edibles look like cookies or pastries or may be incorporated into other products. If you know you’ve got kids or animals coming for the holidays, go through your house, at their height, looking for potential dangers. Be extra aware and careful.”

Call California Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 if it is suspected that a poisonous product was ingested. Additional information can be found at www.holidaysafety.org and www.pillsvscandy.com.

  Julie BUTCHER