The holiday season is here with lights and trees, but Hillsborough County first responders are cautioning that the joy can quickly turn to disaster if safety precautions aren’t taken.

On Friday, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue showcased how swiftly a Christmas tree can ignite, engulfing a room without sprinklers in flames in under two minutes.

“If you have a live Christmas tree, you must ensure it’s well-maintained. Keep it watered and healthy,” advised Danny Alvarez, a spokesperson for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

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Firefighters across the county offered safety advice for the entire holiday decorating period:

“When attempting to hang lights, avoid risky maneuvers like jumping on ladders. Use the correct ladder and ensure your footing is secure,” warned Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas from Plant City Fire Rescue. This year, five people in Hillsborough County fatally fell from ladders, a statistic firefighters hope to prevent from rising.

“Five might not seem significant against the county’s population, but for those families, it’s an immense tragedy, often avoidable,” Sidlauskas added.

For fireworks, safety is crucial: “Ensure fireworks are completely extinguished. Many injuries occur because fireworks aren’t fully doused or submerged in water,” noted Capt. Henry Williams of Tampa Fire Rescue, who reported about a dozen fireworks-related injuries in the city this year.

Williams also advised on burn treatment: “During the healing process, apply a dry dressing to burns.”

Regarding decorations possibly damaged by recent storms, firefighters suggest caution: “If there’s doubt about the safety of your decorations, discard them. It’s better to buy new ones than risk an electrical fire,” Alvarez recommended.

Additionally, inspect all cords and lights for damage, using only UL-rated cords. For celebrations like Kwanzaa or Hanukkah involving candles, either don’t leave them unattended or opt for flameless candles.

Firefighters conclude by emphasizing, “The last thing we want is to respond to a fire at your home during the holidays.”

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(Image credit: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue)