These Massachusetts students lit up a Christmas tree in 25 seconds. Literally, though.
The demonstration was part of an effort to raise awareness about fire safety around the holidays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-yBGoDjhOI
Students and faculty in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Fire Protection Engineering Department conducted a live burn of a Christmas tree last week, underscoring the potential danger of the festive, yet highly flammable, holiday decor.
“These fires can be rapid and intense,” interim department head Tahar El Korchi said in a statement. “The fuel content of trees that have dried out can be much more easily vaporized, promoting a quick rate of combustion. A small ignition source can result in a fireball of intense energy release in a very short time period, threatening the life safety of all inhabitants of the structure.”
As the video shows, within 25 seconds of the base being ignited, the tree was fully engulfed in flames. Seconds later, the entire room was on fire.
The demonstration was intended to raise awareness for fire safety around the holidays.
While uncommon, Christmas tree fires resulted in an average of six deaths a year, according to data compiled from 2010 to 2014 by the National Fire Protection Association. During those five years, there were 210 Christmas tree-related house fires in the United States, the nonprofit group said.
The NFPA suggests these Christmas tree safety tips in order to avoid the situation WPI students illustrated:
Picking the tree
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the tree
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2″ from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the tree
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas
- Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
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