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Port Arthur Fire Chief Greg Benson spoke to the Rotary Club of Port Arthur Thursday to discuss holiday safety facts, but to also debut a new initiative within the city.

Keep the Wreath Red is a program used in cities across the country, but has now been implemented within Port Arthur.

Those passing Fire Station No. 1 at 1215 Memorial Blvd. will notice a wreath in the door filled with red Christmas lights. Benson said each time there is a holiday-related fire within the city, one of the red lights will be replaced with a white one — hence the desire to keep it red.

Other tips shared by the fire chief included:

• Keep live Christmas trees away from fireplaces.
• Do not burn wrapping paper in a fireplace, as it releases poisonous toxins.
• Test smoke alarms before hosting holiday gatherings.
• Ensure candles are put in a safe place and not in windows near curtains or holiday décor.
• Avoid covering extension cords with rugs as stepping on them can cause them to fray and expose live wires.
• Check to make sure artificial trees and ornaments are marked as flame resistant.
• Inspect previously-used light strands to ensure they aren’t worn in any place.
• Keep live trees watered, and extension cords far from the water in which it sits.