The New York State Department of State today announced the release of a public service campaign that highlights the danger of fires caused by natural Christmas trees that are not properly maintained as well as children playing with novelty lighters during this holiday season. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), a division of the New York State Department of State, has produced two Public Service Announcements as well as a brochure for the holiday season that can be accessed on the Departments homepage at www.state.ny.us .

New York State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison said: We want this holiday season to be one of joy and celebration free of tragedy. In the U.S. on average, 200 Christmas tree fires occur annually, causing 24 deaths. Many do not realize the hazards associated with a tree that is not properly maintained. In addition, parents cannot be too careful in monitoring their children and explaining to them the dangers of playing with matches or lighters. During the holidays, when homes are full of combustible items such as holiday decorations and wrapping paper preventive measures must be reinforced. There is nothing more important than providing a safe home for your family.

The first Public Service Announcement and brochure is the product of a two-day demonstration which invited the media in to show the susceptibility to fire of improperly hydrated, fresh cut Christmas trees. The outreach effort was designed to promote public awareness by illustrating the hazards associated with trees that are not properly cared for.

OFPC took "natural," holiday trees of similar size and species and compared those that were fully hydrated against those that had not been watered for 5, 10, and 14 days. These test burns were conducted at the New York State Fire Academy, located in Montour Falls, New York, on Tuesday, November 18th. OFPC also invited the media back on Wednesday, November 19th, to shoot a LIVE BURN of a "natural," holiday tree in a furnished living room setting. The exercise showed ignition of the tree and rapid development of fire to room "flashover.

The Public Service Announcement includes video of the fast spreading fire, highlighting a message from New York State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison informing New Yorkers of the importance of keeping a natural tree properly hydrated. • ALWAYS keep the tree stand secure and filled with water. • DO NOT place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. • KEEP open flames away from your tree. Never use candles as decorations. • REMEMBER to check and make sure your smoke detector is working and never remove the battery to use for another purpose.

The second Public Service Announcement warns of the dangers novelty lighters pose with children especially during this holiday season. Although they may look like toys, these devices are designed for adults. Every 80 seconds a home in the United States catches fire. Almost 4,000 lives are lost in fires each year. An estimated 25,000 individuals are injured annually. This holiday season the Office of Fire Prevention and Control wants to underscore the danger of novelty lighters and prevent them from getting in the hands of children. There are two versions of this announcement available in English or Spanish.

Both Public Service Announcements and brochure can be found on the Department of States homepage at www.dos.state.ny.us. News media, educational institutions, and the public are encouraged to make free use of the video productions. For a copy of the Public Service Announcements, please call Lauren Rivera at (518) 474-4752.