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General Chatter >> General news stories and stuff >> Christmas Tree Inferno
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Message started by cromwell on Dec 19^th, 2008, 8:56am

Title: Christmas Tree Inferno
Post by cromwell on Dec 19^th, 2008, 8:56am

Firefighters have released dramatic footage of a Christmas tree going up in flames as a warning to homeowners.

The video shows faulty fairy lights sparking a blaze which then tears through the room and furniture.

The entire living room is engulfed within 10 seconds.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service released the footage to warn people about the dangers of leaving trees and lights unattended.
It shows a real tree which has been in a dry warm home for several days catching fire.

Firefighters said the the speed of the blaze spreading would mean that even if a person were awake in the room they probably would not escape.
After 45 seconds the room is blackened by smoke and completely gutted.
County Fire Officer Barry Dixon warned people to be extra careful during the Christmas period.

He said: "Before placing fairy lights on your tree make sure the wiring has been checked for splits and always switch them off when you leave the house or go to bed.

"But most importantly of all make sure you test your smoke alarm and if you haven't already got one why not buy one as stocking filler?"
He added that each home should have an alarm fitted on each floor.

The Manchester brigade said that last Christmas the service attended 121 accidental fires in the home.
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