Notes from the Fire Marshal
December 2008
LIGHTS, TREES, AND ACTION! Christmas in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Christmas in Carmel - somehow, it seems as though it always comes too soon! Also, somehow, it seems the same from year to year. Let's look at some ways that we can help keep the holiday season safe.
CHRISTMAS TREES
First of all, let's look at the rules dealing with display of Christmas trees.
a. All natural cut trees displayed in the commercial zones of Carmel must be treated with a flame retardant by a licensed applicator, and a certificate must be clearly displayed on the tree.
b. Any metallic artificial trees in use may not have any electric lights attached to them.
c. No candles or open flames may be used on or in the immediate vicinity of natural trees.
Also, be sure to locate any trees in your place of business away from any aisles or means of egress.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
If you use any holiday decorations, make sure that they are clearly marked for use in commercial applications. They need to be rated as flame resistive if they are combustible. No hay or other combustible materials may be used, even if the nativity scene seems incomplete without it!
CHRISTMAS STRING LIGHTS
Christmas string lights are listed for either indoor or outdoor use; please be sure to use the proper light strings for the application. The UL label is color coded to help determine indoor or outdoor use. Also, the UL listing limits the use of string lights to ninety days after the first use, whether they are turned on every day or not.
Zoning regulations within the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea also regulate string lights to the immediate holiday period. Any lights put up during the holiday period must be removed by January 15 at the latest. String lights remaining after that date are subject to removal by City authorities.
Any string lights used need to follow the Fire Code requirements for any flexible wiring:
a. Wiring for the string lights may not pass through doors, windows, or walls. String lights displayed outside must be plugged in to an outdoor receptacle.
b. Wiring for the string lights or extension cords for the strings may not be attached to any building components with staples or other such secure means.
c. Extension cords may only be used for single strings of string lights.
If you have any questions about these topics, or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact me at art@carmelfire.com.