Christmas trees bring beauty and joy to your home, but it is also easy to forget how combustible and large of a fire hazard they present to your home.
How common are Christmas tree fires?
In between 2018 and 2022, Fire departments around the U.S responded to an annual average of 155 home fires caused by Christmas trees. On average, these fires caused four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries, and $15 million in property damage each year . Fires that involve Christmas trees are more common than artificial tree fires.
Home Christmas tree don’t happen very often – fire caused by candles happen about 38 times more frequently in the U.S , for comparison-but when Christmas trees fires do occur, especially involving fresh Christmas trees, they’re likely to be serious. That’s in part because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them alot more flammable the longer it’s in your phone . A dried Christmas tree will burn much faster than one that is very well watered
What causes Christmas tree fires?
According to the latest statistics, lighting and electrical equipment cause most Christmas tree fires in the home. According to research:
- Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than 2 in 5 home Christmas tree fires.
- One in five (20 percent) home Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs.
- More than one in 10 home Christmas tree fires started by candles.
- Two inches five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.
Tips for Staying Safer
- Test a fresh tree before purchasing it by running your hands across one of the branches. If you end up with more than a few needles, it’s a sign that the tree may be too dry.
- After selecting a fresh tree , cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before putting it in the stand. Add water daily to keep the tree well hydrated.
- Trees should be put at least 3 feet away from any type of heat source , fireplace, radiators, candles,stoves, lamps etc.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Make sure that decorative Christmas tree lights are in good condition and used properly folling instructions included, do not use indoor lights outdoors.
- When buying new Christmas tree lights, make sure they bear the mark of an independent, qualified testing laboratory, which ensures that the product has been tested to meet established safety standards.
After Christmas
Get rid of the tree after Christmas or as soon as it is dry. Dried-out trees are a huge fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against your home.
Stay Safe and Merry Christmas 🎅 in the event of fire damage to your home call PuroClean to get your property back to its original state. (601)909-8885
