LIMA, OH (WLIO) - With Halloween this Thursday and the Christmas season knocking on the doorstep, the Lima Fire Department wants people to keep fire hazards down as decorations go up.
By keeping the number of decorations and extension cords down, you also reduce the chance of catching fire.
One thing to keep in mind is to restrict the number of Halloween or Christmas decorations inside the house, as more flammable decorations further induce a greater fire risk. Also, do not overload with extension cords, as too many plugged-in decorations could cause overheating. By keeping the number of decorations and extension cords down, you also reduce the chance of costumes accidentally coming in contact and catching fire while lowering the fall risk. If you do choose to decorate, the Lima Fire Department has some recommendations.
Do not overload with extension cords, as too many plugged-in decorations could cause overheating.
"Anything that is flammable, everything should be at least 3 feet, 36 inches away from that, and I should say like an open flame. If you have a fireplace or if you have a heater, those should be 36 inches, but from a candle should be 12 inches, 1 full foot away from that candle. Nothing that's combustible should be within that distance," said Warren Pughsley, fire inspector at the Lima Fire Department.
Pughsley adds that cheap decorations tend to be highly flammable and result in a fierce blaze in a very short period of time. Lastly, Allen County remains in moderate to severe drought, so any fire that sparks may spread fast.
