Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue Services is offering residents a few simple precautions to help ensure the season is a safe one through their annual Holiday Fire Safety Campaign.
Fire Chief Dave Samson noted that everyone looks forward to the holidays, to relax, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones.
However, it is usually a busy time of the year for his team of firefighters.
“Most holiday fires are preventable,” said the fire chief.
Here are some of the tips Samson and the department are advising residents to be aware of.
If you are using a space heater, to use only CSA or ULC approved heaters that are in good working condition.
Look for the logo imprinted on it.
Keep heaters at least one metre, or three feet, away from anything that can burn, including furniture, curtains, papers, and pets.
And always turn off and unplug the heater when it is unattended.
If you have a real tree, to keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, radiators or heat vents, to help it stay green rather than become crispy.
And, decorate it with fire resistant or fire-retardant decorations.
Be safe with lights and candles by using indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors.
Avoid hanging lights with staples, which can damage cords, and use approved clips instead.
Do not overload electrical outlets and inspect cords for fraying or exposed wires.
Never leave candles unattended, especially around children and pets. Blow them out before leaving the room.
When it comes to kitchen safety to stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when using the stove top.
Keep flammable items like towels, oven mitts, and wooden utensils away from heat sources.
If a grease fire occurs, do not use water. Cover the pan with a lid or cookie sheet and turn off the heat.
For an oven fire, turn off the oven and keep the door closed.
Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
If you are deep frying a turkey, set up the fryer outside, well away from the house on a flat, fire-proof surface.
Prevent dangerous hot-oil boil-overs by ensuring your turkey is fully thawed and dry and use a large pot with lots of room for the turkey and the frying oil.
When it comes to fireworks, the sale of fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited in Maple Ridge.
A permit is required for setting off all fireworks and firecrackers.
Fireworks pose serious risk and safety hazards to the community, pets and wildlife.
Violators face fines of $500 to $1000 and will be required to surrender their fireworks.
To apply for a special event fireworks permit, contact the City’s Bylaws Department at: bylaws@MapleRidge.ca or call: 604-467-7305.
And remember that the loud noise and bright explosions from fireworks are very traumatizing to pets and wildlife.
For more fire safety tips, contact the Maple Ridge Fire Department at fire@MapleRidge.ca or call: 604-463-5880.