I remember my Dad modifying some for a friend. They had like the outside of bells on them which were made of plastic. Fortunately the people realised that section was getting hot and weren’t going to use them any more. Their little ones were aware that they weren’t one but too young to understand why. Dad very carefully removed the decoration on the outside and tested them. They no longer got hot and the little girls were very happy. They only had them on for a couple of hours each night but that would have been enough to cause a fire had they left them on for much longer.

Such a tragic and sad story and loss of life.

A truly tragic story and a timely reminder about safety at this time of the year.

I do remember this story and I think Xmas lights are a little different from other lights and can cause electrical faults quite easily . I turn all lights off when leaving home or when sleeping . Very sad story .

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 04 Jan 2016 , 7:00 am

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  Christmas lights can be so dangerous and definitely need to be turned off at sleep times and monitored at other times.

It’s a sad reminder that even the most innocent of activities can cause harm. It’s important to always anticipate what may happen and act accordingly. I have so much sympathy for Matt Golinski – such a heartbreaking loss.

yeah so sad especially at this time of year.

A very sed story. It teaches as to never leave christmas tree, candle or any appliances unattended.

So sad about what happened to his family.

This was such a tragedy. I do remember this fire and the loss of life and family for this man. I’m so pleased his body is healing, but this must be such a difficult time of year for him.

So so sad. Imagine relating a Christmas tree to the death of your family

Such a sad story ! A Christmas tree without light can be just as beautiful !! I just stay away from Christmas lights, we don’t have them in our home. Better safe then sorry.

I’m happy to see Matt getting on with his life after such a tragedy. It’s always important NOT to overload power points or power boards, as well as NEVER leave lights on unattended

Tragic story, timely reminder for us all at this time of year. Those christmas tree house fire statistics are an eye opener though.

Christmas tree lights can be very dangerous, especially if they are used year on year and checked to make sure there are no shorts.

We never leave our tree lights on when we go to bed. Don’t overload your power boards either. That can cause fires. I got told off many years ago when I WAS A NURSE IN THE CHILDRENS ward because I tactfully suggested to the charge sister that it might be a good idea to turn the lights off on the Christmas tree as it could overheat[ it was a silver tinsel like tree back in the 60’s] . She said I WAS INSOLENT AND NOT TO BE SO RIDICULOUS. After I went off duty the tree caught fire, the quick thinking night nurse stopped the fire by throwing a blanket over it etc. I have always remembered that!

It was such a heartbreaking and terrible tragedy. I hope that he has been able to move forward after the grief. We never leave our tree lights on during the night. Now that we have a child we definitely wont be taking that kind of risk and will even unplug at night.

This was such a tragic and highly memorable devastating house fire. What a timely reminder to us all. We haven’t had lights on our tree for years.

How terrible for that family. I would never leave the Christmas lights on during the night. I would be so scared about what could happen!!

What a tragic story. I remember crying when he lost his family and suffered horrific burns. This must be a terribly hard time for him so all my wishes and sympathy goes out to him.

Now that is a scary thought… Something that’s meant to bring so much joy being the cause of something so heartbreaking. I’m glad I didn’t put lights on my tree this year. RIP <3