Aurora, IL – As holiday decorations go up across the Chicago suburbs, Aurora firefighters are warning residents not to assume artificial Christmas trees are fireproof.
According to the Aurora Fire Department, a newly released holiday safety video shows how quickly an artificial tree can ignite and spread flames throughout a room. The demonstration is part of the department’s Holiday Safety Series, aimed at reducing preventable house fires during the winter season.
Fire officials say many residents believe artificial trees are safer than real ones, but modern synthetic materials can burn intensely once ignited. In the video, flames spread within seconds, producing heavy smoke and extreme heat that would leave little time to escape without early intervention.
The department stressed that proper setup and ongoing attention can make a critical difference. Firefighters recommend keeping trees and decorations away from heat sources, avoiding overloaded electrical outlets, and inspecting light strands for frayed wires or damage before use. Residents are also urged to turn off holiday lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
One key takeaway highlighted by Aurora firefighters is the life-saving role of residential fire sprinklers. According to the department, a single home sprinkler can dramatically slow or stop the spread of a fire, giving occupants valuable time to escape and reducing property damage.
Aurora officials say holiday-related fires typically increase between late November and early January, with electrical malfunctions and unattended decorations among the most common causes.
The Fire Department plans to release Part 4 of the Holiday Safety Series next week, focusing specifically on how home fire sprinklers can change the outcome of a fast-moving fire.
Residents in Aurora, Kane County, and the greater Chicago metro are encouraged to review holiday fire safety tips and ensure smoke alarms are working properly before hosting gatherings or decorating.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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