Christmastime Luminaria Fire Safety Urged

The Luminaria Committee, which is overseeing the display of an estimated 1,300 luminaria in the town center as part of the December 1 Christmas tree lighting ceremony at The Ram Pasture, requests that people who are displaying luminaria on private property extinguish the devices’ candle flames by 9:30 pm.

Luminaria consist of candles in open sand-filled, paperboard containers that are lighted on the ground outdoors in celebration of Christmas.

The picturesque luminaria are displayed curbside on properties along The Ram Pasture, Main Street and Glover Avenue.

Newtown Hook & Ladder Volunteer Fire Company Chief Ray Corbo urges that people displaying luminaria keep in mind that the devices contain open candle flames and thus pose the risk of uncontrolled fires.

The luminaria should be displayed in areas that are well away from combustible materials, he said. Also, adults should control the use and extinguishment of the luminaria, Chief Corbo said.

Firefighters will be stationed in the general area while the luminaria are on display to monitor for fire safety.