November 25, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Asst. to the Fire Chief
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2411, page: 675-2137

Fire Department Sends Out Restrictions and Safety Tips for Business Considering Decorating for the Holidays

With the holiday seasons upon us and decorating in full swing, The Shreveport Fire Department’s ire Prevention Bureau would like to remind commercial occupancies . . .

in Shreveport of the following safety information regarding the display of Christmas trees and decorations.

LIVE / NATURAL TREES
The following occupancy types are prohibited from having "live / natural cut" trees within the building :

1. Assembly- Places used for the gathering of 50 or more persons such as restaurants, lounges / nightclubs, private clubs, meeting rooms, church’s, theaters, and auditoriums.
2. Educational -Schools ( Does not include Colleges or any Educational facility past the 12th grade )
3. Hotels
4. Apartment Complex’s (Only allowed inside individual apartment)

The following occupancy types may have "live / natural" tree’s only if the area is provided with an automatic sprinkler system :
1. Business / Office
2. Day Care
3. Mercantile / Retail

Where a live / natural tree is permitted, the bottom end of the trunk shall be cut off a minimum of ½ " and placed into a stand with water which must be maintained and checked daily.
The tree should be removed from the building upon evidence of dryness.
Decorative combustible vegetation and live / natural trees should not be placed near heating devices, fireplaces, or vents which cause increased drying.
Open flames such as candles, lanterns, heaters, fireplaces shall not be located in the immediate area of the vegetation / tree.

No tree, whether live / natural, or any decorative vegetation, shall obstruct corridors, exit ways, stairways or other required means of egress.

ARTIFICIAL TREES

Artificial trees and artificial decorative vegetation shall be certified and labeled by the manufacturer as being flame resistant or fire retardant. (Label must be present)

Electrical lighting shall be prohibited on metal trees.

LIVE / NATURAL TREES, DECORATIONS OR ARTIFICIAL TREE’S

Only approved or listed electrical lights and wiring shall be used. ###