TORONTO, Dec. 24 /CNW/ - With holiday season candles burning, fireplaces
blazing and Christmas trees glowing in homes across the province, Community
Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter is reminding people to
play it safe to avoid unnecessary tragedies.
"The risk of residential fires increases during December because people
are entertaining and not thinking about the risks of fire from cooking,
fireplaces, trees and candles," said Kwinter. "Enjoy the holidays, but
practise prevention by keeping a sharp eye on things."
Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle says candle fires are a growing
problem. Moyle also suggests watering all real Christmas trees daily so they
don't dry out, and keeping them well way from all open flames, including
candles.

Other tips for a safe and secure holiday include:

- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Don't burn paper, wrapping paper or pine boughs in your fireplace.
Large sparks can fly from your chimney onto nearby combustible
surfaces.
- Use a good fitting fireplace screen to keep any sparks or embers from
falling out of the fireplace.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level and room of
your home.
- When cooking, keep a proper fitting lid nearby. If your pot catches
fire, carefully slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove.
- Create an escape plan and rehearse it with the entire family.
- Keep fire extinguishers in your home and know how to use them.

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