Vancouver firefighters offers safety tips for a merry Christmas

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services is out with some fire prevention tips as people deck the halls.

Captain Matt Trudeau says ’tis the season to make sure to handle Christmas tree lights, candles, and other holiday decorations safely.

“If you don’t need to use a candle, just use electronic tea lights, use something other than just having an open flame where stuff happens,” he said. “Accidents do happen, and we’ve seen pets knock over candles far too often, setting whole rooms and houses on fire.”

Trudeau recommends unplugging your Christmas tree and any indoor lights when you’re not home.

“When people leave for the day or you go to bed at night, just unplug,” he said.

“Obviously you’re not in the room, you don’t really need it. So it’s just best to unplug or disconnect any lighting that you’re not using.”

Trudeau says real Christmas trees are also a fire hazard, as they are far more combustable than fake ones. He adds if you use extension cords, make sure they’re of good quality.