Christmas tree fire footage

Christmas tree within four seconds of catching fire

As people complete their preparations for Christmas, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has released dramatic footage showing just what can happen if your Christmas tree was to become involved in fire.

The footage shows a real tree which has been in a dry warm home for several days catching fire and within 10 seconds the whole of the room is completely engulfed in fire. Even if a person was awake in the room the chances of escaping unharmed would be low. Click here to view the footage.

On the back of the footage, County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk has issued the following safety advice: “Before placing fairy lights on your tree make sure the wiring has been checked for splits and always switch them off when you leave the house or go to bed. Never put candles on or near your tree and make sure that presents placed under the tree are kept well away from anything which could ignite the wrapping paper.”

“But most importantly of all make sure you test your smoke alarm and if you haven’t already got one why not buy one as stocking filler – and make sure you have one properly fitted on each level of your home.”

Anyone in Greater Manchester can apply for a free home fire safety check by calling free on 0800 555 815 or for more information on how to stay safe this winter visit www.safe4winter.com
Last Christmas the Service attended 82 accidental fires in the home between Christmas day and 5 January.