Warren firefighters teamed up with officials from a national fire sprinkler organization Monday to host a live burn to show how fast a fire can spread in an un-sprinkled structure.

Representatives of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and local fire officials conducted the safety demonstration at Halmich Park on 13 Mile Road to underscore the rapid speed of a typical residential fire.

The demonstration also provided proof of the importance of residential sprinkler technology that can save lives, reduce property damage, and protect firefighters, according to the NFSA.

“Fire sprinklers buy time and time buys life, and there is never a better time to show that than during the holidays when there are so many fire safety opportunities,” NFSA President Shane Ray said in a news release.

Skip McAdams, Warren’s fire commissioner, agreed.

He said the holiday season is a good time to discuss fire prevention and safety measures with family members. An escape plan from home and a meeting place for everyone to go are also good topics to talk about, McAdams said.

“I realize it’s not a subject we want to talk about any time of year but in a fire emergency seconds count, so please just take a few minutes to discuss these important issues so we can all sleep better knowing we talked about these important life safety issues,” McAdams said in the release.

In the demonstration, two identical side-by-side rooms — one with sprinkler technology, the other without — were set ablaze.

Each room was decorated with holiday elements, including a Christmas tree and ornaments, and fitted with smoke alarms. But only one of the rooms includes a fire sprinkler system.

The non-sprinklered room is typically engulfed within seconds, while the sprinklered room demonstrates the sprinkler’s power to quickly control flames and limit destruction.

According to NFSA, Christmas tree and holiday decoration fires account for an average of two deaths, 12 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually.

The organization offered the following holiday fire prevention tips:

• Choose a fresh tree. a one with green needles that don’t fall off easily

• Keep the tree hydrated: Add water daily; using ice cubes can help avoid spills and ease refilling

• Distance the tree at least from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles, and heating vents

• Use lights safely: Ensure indoor and outdoor lights are used appropriately, are laboratory-tested (e.g., UL), and replace worn-out strings

• Avoid overloading outlets and use flame-retardant decorations

• Avoid open flames: Use battery-operated candles instead of lit candles, especially near flammable items or around children

• Ensure exits are clear and decorations don’t obstruct pathways.