Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - It's that time of year again when caroles and the sounds of silver bells fill the air, but Monday officials will remind people to enjoy the holidays while guarding against seasonal dangers like house fires sparked by decorations and trees.
At a news conference Monday morning featuring officials from the Los Angeles County and city fire departments, how to keep safe during a season marked by twinkling lights and indoor conifers both real and artificial will be the talk of the season.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 835 residential fires are sparked, on average, by holiday decorations and another 155 begin with Christmas trees.
"These statistics serve as critical reminders about the importance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well as the importance of following basic safety tips to ensure families have a safe holiday season," according to the agencies.
The news conference, which was to feature a live demonstration of how quickly a Christmas tree can turn into a life-threatening inferno if proper precautions are not taken, will be attended by Los Angeles County Fire Anthony Marrone and Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jamie Moore.