The increases the risk of room fires. The Fire Prevention Office of Upper Austria (BVS) records around 100 incidents each year caused by candles or open fire. "The quietest time of the year is and remains highly dangerous," says spokesperson Günther Schwabegger at a press conference on Tuesday in Linz.

Fire Risk Increases Annually During Christmas Season

According to BVS statistics, 60 percent of fires occur in the months from November to January, although the number of small fires is not recorded. The main causes are dry twigs in Christmas trees and advent wreaths, too little distance between candles and flammable materials, and leaving open fire sources unattended, says Schwabegger. It would be important to have fire blankets and extinguishers within reach and to generally avoid conventional candles when dealing with dried-out material. LED candles or fairy lights are good substitutes. Smoke detectors could also help prevent the worst in an emergency.

Only Ten Seconds to Full Blaze

It only takes about ten seconds for a dried-out Christmas tree to be fully ablaze. Just a few moments later, the surroundings catch fire, as demonstrated by the BVS in the experimental laboratory. A readily available fire extinguisher near the tree can enable quick response. The tree should also be securely positioned and a distance maintained from curtains. Also, sufficient distance of the candles and especially sparklers from the decoration and other branches of the tree should be observed.

The situation with the advent wreath is similar on a smaller scale. Burnt-out candles can quickly ignite the dry material. The candle flames reach temperatures of up to 1,400 degrees Celsius. Here, a fire blanket or a water container can help prevent the worst, provided the fire is detected in time. Of course, a fire extinguisher should also be available in every household.

Plastic Trees Also Easily Ignitable

The fact that especially the younger generation likes to set up or decorate the Christmas tree during the advent season results in the tree being completely dried out and easily catching fire on Christmas Eve. It would be better to get recently cut trees and only set them up for Christmas. Until then, the tree should be stored outside and possibly placed in water or snow. If a fire breaks out despite all precautions, the BVS reminds of the principle "Alert - Rescue - Extinguish".

Schwabegger also sees the trend towards reusable plastic trees as problematic, as these are often easily ignitable. The BVS Upper Austria points out the dangers annually and provides extensive information. According to Schwabegger, this has already had an effect. However, candles remain a big problem, as the statistics show.

(APA/Red)

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