Christmas Tree Fires

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

The holiday season is a time that we get to spend time with loved ones, eat good food, and maybe open a present or two.  But there can be danger lurking in your own home during this joyous time. 

Over 150 fires stemming from Christmas trees igniting are reported each year. These fires cause injuries, fatalities, and cause over 10 million dollars in property damage annually. 40% of these fires start in the living room, which can easily spread to other rooms in the house, quickly causing massive damage to the home.  Almost all of the reported Christmas tree fires happened in a home, but they can occur in a corporate setting as well. And because people are not always around to notice, the fire can cause an exponential amount of damage.

Following a few simple tips can dramatically reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire this season.

• DO NOT use candles to decorate your tree.  Furthermore, keep candles at least a few feet away from your tree.
• Use a freshly cut tree.  The fresher the tree, the more water content it still has.
• Water the tree daily. This will keep it saturated longer.  And as much as keeping your tree around is festive, the sooner you dispose of the tree the better.
• Refrain from using branches from your tree in your fireplace.  They are highly combustible, and can lead to airborne embers.