The Division of the Fire Marshal, Office of Research Services, wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable winter holiday season. To that end, we are disseminating the following information to help us all celebrate safely here at the NIH. Much of this is equally appropriate for your home.
First, a dramatic video to illustrate one primary holiday fire hazard, natural trees (Anyone unable to view the video may contact the NIH Fire Marshal for a verbal explanation)
When can trees be displayed?
From Monday, December 4, 2023, through Friday, January 5, 2024
What type of trees are allowed?
- Corridors and stairways in all buildings: no trees allowed
- Laboratories, assembly areas (such as auditoriums and conferences rooms with a posted occupant load of 50 or more), the Children's Inn, the Family Lodge, Buildings 15H and 15I and dormitory areas in Building 60: artificial trees only
- Patient care units and clinics: balled or artificial trees only
- Other areas protected by fire sprinkler systems and 15 group duplexes occupied as residences: cut, balled or artificial trees
- Other areas not protected by fire sprinkler systems: balled or artificial trees only
Tree limitations:
- Artificial trees must be labeled as fire retardant
- Natural trees (cut or balled) may not exceed five feet in height and must be kept watered daily
- Cut trees must have the trunk freshly trimmed just before display
- Balled trees must have the root ball and soil wrapped in burlap
- Trees must be promptly removed by January 6, or earlier if dried out
Other guidance:
- Egress: place trees, lights and decorations so as not to obstruct the path to any exit
- Candles: Never use open-flame candles, including with menorahs
- Decorations: Use only non-combustible or fire-retardant items; prohibited on fire-rated doors
- Lights: Use only listed lights with wiring in good condition; do not hang on sprinkler heads or pipes; unplug at end of each workday; never use lights on metal artificial trees
- Electric: Use power strips and not extension cords; do not run under carpets or other materials/equipment
The requirements above are based on the National Fire Protection Association Fire Code and apply to NIH-owned facilities. Questions may be directed to the Division of the Fire Marshal at 301-496-0487. For guidance in leased facilities, contact the local fire marshal or fire department in your area.
