Overloaded Electrical Use Can Cause Fires During The Christmas Season

Artificial Christmas trees and Christmas lights often require quite a bit of electricity, meaning that caution should be taken to avoid any unnecessary fires.

Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District Fire Chief Doug Yurecko says Christmas lights are much safer now than they were in the past, but precaution is still needed and steps should still be taken to ensure the utmost safety.

Extension cords should not be left under rugs or carpets, and should be straightened out if able, as curled up cords generate more heat. Lights used outside should be designed for outside use. Real Christmas trees should remain watered to reduce the risk of a fire.