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As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.
Watch this video that shows a fire spread through a dry tree versus a fire spreading in a watered tree.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that between 2004-2008 US fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 260 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. These fires caused an annual average of:
- 14 civilian fire deaths
- 26 civilian fire injuries
- $13.8 million in direct property damage
On average, one of every 21 reported Christmas tree fires resulted in a death. Thirty-six (36%) percent of home Christmas tree structure fires occurred on the ten days between December 24 and January 2.
Electrical problems were factors in one-third of home Christmas tree structure fires. A heat source was too close to the Christmas tree in one of every five (19%) of these fires.
Thirteen (13%) percent of home Christmas tree fires involved decorative lights.
Candles started eleven (11%) percent of home Christmas tree structure fires.
More than one-third (37%) of all home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room, or den.
Picking the Tree:
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched
Placing the Tree:
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the Tree:
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas:
- Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Decorative Light Fires: Were involved in an average of 150 home structure fires per year, resulting in an average of:
- 8 civilian deaths
- 16 civilian injuries, and
- $8.9 million in direct property damage
Forty-two (42%) percent of these fires were reported in December and thirteen (13%) percent occurred in January. In one-fifth (21%) of these fires, Christmas trees were the item first ignited.
Electrical problems were factors in 67% of these fires. Something that could burn was too close to the lights in 10% of the fires.
Watch this video of a dry scotch pine Christmas tree fire in a home setting.
For more information on fire safety tips, please visit kelowna.ca/fire or www.nfpa.org
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This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
