Christmas Tree Fire Safety

Keeping fires during the year is a relatively simple task, but during the holidays, it gets a little tricky. With a large tree covered in lights and near heat sources, it can easily catch fire.

If you decide to go the artificial route, make sure the brand is clearly labeled as fire-retardant. Just because it isn’t a real tree doesn’t mean it can’t catch fire.

For more traditional celebrators, a live tree should be fresh. It doesn’t have to be chopped down by you, but buying from a reputable seller will help. Needles should stay in place and not fall when being touched or moved.

When placing your tree, stand it three or more feet away from any heat source (no fireplaces, candles, vents, radiators) or blocking an exit. To keep the tree fresh and less flammable, daily hydration is key.

When wrapping the tree with twinkle lights, make sure they have been tested and are strictly for indoor use. Any lights with broken or worn cords should be replaced. When connecting different sets of lights, three should be the max and they should always be turned off before bed.

When the new year rolls around and you’re ready to send your tree to the curb, local recycling programs will help dispose of the remnants.

If a fire does occur, PuroClean of South Charlotte can help fix the damage.

How to Prevent a Chimney Fire

Now that summer is over and fall is in full swing with winter right around the corner, you might be making use of your fireplace. While newer homes may have the simplicity of a light-switch fireplace, owners of older homes need to be aware that a chimney is not maintenance free. It needs to be regularly checked and cleaned so chimney fires do not destroy your home.

The consequence of an uncleaned chimney means creosote will build up and catch fire. A regular chimney cleaning by a professional  chimney sweep will prevent this build up. After the fire has been put out, PuroClean of South Charlotte knows how to help clean up the damage.

There are two different kinds of chimney fires - slow burning and free burning. A slow burning chimney fire burns at a slower pace and can cause more structural damage to your chimney and home while a free burning chimney fire is impossible to go unnoticed. Massive amounts of smoke and noise (some say like a freight train or airplane) will come from your chimney.

To prevent these from happening, regularly check your chimney and have the creosote removed. Dried and/or seasoned wood are the only thing that should be burned in your chimney. No kerosene or gasoline, cardboard boxes, or wrapping paper should be used either. Dry kindling or clean newspaper are the safer option to ignite your fires.

If chimney fire happens in your home, PuroClean of South Charlotte will help reduce the damage the fire may have caused.