Tis the season for potential holiday hazards from fires and other dangers, even in Hawai'i's warmer winters.

Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig worries about candles left burning, especially during power outages or special celebrations where people forget to keep an eye on the flames.

Last week, a townhouse fire in Nanakuli was traced to a candle lit during a storm-related power outage. No one was injured, but the blaze caused $5,000 damage.

Last year, an elderly Kuli'ou'ou woman died in a fire in her house caused by a candle lit in a bedroom during a power outage that followed the Oct. 15 earthquakes that plunged much of the state into darkness.

Candles have grown in popularity in recent years and are traced to the cause of about 18,000 fires each year nationwide. The National Fire Protection Association reports candle fires also are responsible for 130 deaths, 1,350 injuries and $333 million in property damage annually.

"I know that candles are wonderful for creating an atmosphere," Seelig said. But he said it's important to place them in solid holders that won't tip over and will capture the wax.

He said a lot of fires happen when folks improvise and use an overturned cup or other little container that allows the wax to overflow.

CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE

The fire association notes that 40 percent of home candle fires start in a bedroom, often when a mattress, bedding or curtain catches fire. But the association also notes that in December, most candle fires start in the living room and light up decorations.

Seelig also reminds us to check smoke alarms, have an escape plan and explain your emergency plan to any holiday guests.

And he offers the annual advice about making sure those Christmas trees stay damp and green.

"Keep them as moist as possible," Seelig said."They're very flammable, especially when they dry out."

To drive home that point, the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology produced a video (www.fire.nist.gov/tree_fire.htm) to show how fast a tree can burn. Within three seconds of ignition, the dry Scotch pine is completely ablaze. Within 40 seconds, a "flashover" occurs when the entire room erupts into flames.

And there's another National Fire Protection Association video that shows two trees ignited, one dry and one well-watered, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjO3wZDVlA.

Seelig says make sure you have water in the tree and keep it out of direct sunlight. So that may mean pulling the curtains during the day to keep the tree fresh longer.

And check the labels so you don't hook up more strings of lights than you should and don't overload a circuit. If you're putting up lights outside, be careful and have someone help if you have to climb a ladder or roof, he said.

"Don't plug the lights in when you're putting them up," Seelig said. That's because a short circuit could happen, and even a little shock could cause you to fall off a ladder and get hurt.

WATCH WHAT PETS EAT

At the Hawaiian Humane Society, community relations director Kawehi Yim reminds everyone to remember holiday hazards for pets such as keeping human foods away from pets — especially chocolates and grapes, which can both poison pets.

"Keep them to their standard diet," Yim said. "People have a tendency to want to feed their pets everything they are eating."

Yim said poinsettias get a bad rap as being dangerous to pets but actually haven't been determined a pet killer. Poinsettia ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. By contrast, Yim said, stately Easter lilies are toxic.

People also should try to keep holiday hazards away from pets, such as avoiding putting candies and other food under the tree, where the dog might decide to unwrap them. And families with cats should make sure that lights are wrapped around branches and not dangling low. "Cats like to play with anything on a string," she said. "Make sure they're not low enough that the cat can grab it."

With lots of seasonal activities, she said, it's important to spend time with pets and not let them get out on the street. "Cats are great escape artists," she said.

Yim said now is the time to make sure pets have identification, a license, ID tag and, best of all, an implanted microchip. With New Year's Eve fireworks coming up in a few weeks, it's better to check on identification early to help keep your pets safe, even if they get lost.

And the national Consumer Product Safety Commission warns of another risk these days. When power goes out, some folks turn to portable electric generators to run their basic appliances. The commission sent out a notice this week reminding consumers to only use generators outside and make sure they're properly ventilated to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because you can't see it or smell it. Last year, at least 65 people died from generator-related poisoning. Since May 14, 2007, the commission requires all generators to carry a label that states: "Using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes."

Seelig said the holidays will be more joyous for everyone if we all try to "be a little safer," whether that means wearing a helmet on a bike, slowing down while driving or just being a little more careful.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.

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