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Fire chief urges holiday caution: keep trees watered, lights inspected and avoid using water on grease fires
Summary
The JFRD fire chief gave a brief holiday fire‑safety presentation stressing three‑foot clearances around heat sources, inspecting lights and outlets, weekly watering of real trees, using battery candles, and smothering grease fires rather than using water.
Chief Goldman (Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department) delivered holiday fire‑safety reminders at the District 1 town hall. He advised maintaining a three‑foot clearance around heat sources and decorations, inspecting holiday lights and plugs for cracked insulation before use, and watering real trees regularly to prevent drying that raises fire risk. On cooking safety, he warned residents never to pour water on a grease fire: "You wanna smother those fires and not put water on because that water is not gonna do anything or spread that fire," he said.
Chief Goldman recommended battery‑operated candles as safer alternatives to open flames and suggested regular family conversations about household fire risks. Residents asked where to dispose of expired fire extinguishers; the chief said private companies sometimes accept them but did not commit to a city drop‑off location.
The chief concluded by urging vigilance over the holidays and thanking residents for attending the town hall.
