ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Fire Department is warning about the leading causes of house fires during the holiday season. The top two, authorities say, are scented candles and and extension cords under Christmas trees.
Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson says there's nothing wrong with lighting a wax candle or making your tree shine bright. But he wants to remind people how to celebrate safely.
He says fires time time of year are often sparked by an extension cord under the tree.
"Normally people put multiple sets of lights on them, but you don't want anybody to see the cord, so you put the tree skirt on top of the cord. Then Santa comes along and puts all the presents on top of the skirt," Jenkerson says. "So that puts more pressure on the cord."
Between 2015-2019 , U.S. fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires caused an average of two deaths, 12 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually.
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Jenkerson also warns scented candles placed on top of napkins or on a wood surface often cause fires this time of year. He says he only burns scented candles in his house if they're on a non-flammable surface.
He also says to never leave them out around children.
And he says to be careful with space heaters. He says they should never be used as a main heating source in your home.
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