Local fire departments want residents to have a safe Christmas and holiday season, and are sharing tips to help prevent fires.

On Thursday, Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue held their annual Christmas tree burn demonstration to show just how fast a tree can go up in flames if not watered.

“We’re doing the best we can with our education. We’re trying to tell people about space heaters, how dangerous they can be, how you need to keep enough room around them,” said Lt. Jonathan Evans, with Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue. “With your decorations, if you’re using lights outside, make sure they’re exterior lights and exterior extension cords, those kind of things.”

Horry County Fire Rescue shared fire prevention tips in a press release from Horry County Government.

“With cold weather in the forecast, and the upcoming winter season approaching, Horry County Fire Rescue would like to remind residents to follow these heating tips to help maintain a fire-safe home,” says the release.

– Space Heater:

  • Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing, and curtains, at least 3 feet away from the heater.
  • Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off.
  • Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
  • Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.

 – Fireplace:

  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks jumping out.
  • Do not burn paper in your fireplace.
  • Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home. 
  • Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least 10 feet from your home.

– Wood Stove:

  • Make sure your wood stove is 3 feet from anything that can burn.
  • Do not burn paper in your wood stove.
  • Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.

 – Furnace:

  • Have your furnace inspected each year.
  • Keep anything that can burn away from the furnace.

 – Kitchen oven: Do not use a kitchen oven to heat the home. It is not designed to heat large areas, and the element may fail which could cause a fire.

 – Portable Generators:

  • Portable generators are commonly used in the winter as a result of storm-induced power outages. Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and deadly. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to prevent death from carbon monoxide.
  • Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, and vents.
  • Make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
  • Do not use a generator in a wet area. This can cause shock or electrocution.
  • Connect appliances to the generator with heavy-duty extension cords. 
  • Do not fuel your generator when it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire.

“Heating pads and electric blankets also pose a fire risk, especially if more than 10-years old,” the release also said. “Do not place anything on top of either device when in use, this includes other blankets or pets. Never fold electric blankets or use while sleeping.”

“Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas. You should test your smoke alarm each month,” the release added. “Also, lightly dust or vacuum your smoke alarm after each test. Smoke alarms should be completely replaced every 10-years. Your family should plan and practice a home escape plan during your monthly smoke alarm testing routine.”