The demonstration will take place at the MDFR Training Center located at 9300 NW 41st Street. For the demo, firefighters will show the flammability of a dried out Christmas tree versus a properly watered one.
• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas tree fires are not common but when they occur they are likely to be serious. From 2005 – 2009, US fire departments responded to an average of 240 home structure fires that began with Christmas Trees; 59% these fires occurred in December and 24 percent occurred in January.
• These fires caused an average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries, and $16.7 million in direct property damage annually.
• On average, one of every 18 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.

WHO:               Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
                        Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue

WHAT:              Live Christmas Tree Safety Demonstration

WHEN:             Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 11 a.m.

WHERE:           MDFR Training Center
                        9300 NW 41st Street, Miami, Florida

For more information, please contact the MDFR Public Affairs Bureau at (786) 331-5200.  Additional information can also be found on the National Fire Protection Association website:  www.nfpa.org.