Christmas Tree Fire Prevention

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

After saying goodbye to Christmas later this month, many people have trees that start to die and are at risk of starting a house fire. On average, one of every 34 Christmas tree fires result in a death. That is compared with an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires. Some basic precautions can eliminate many of these incidents.

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any type of heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, heat vents and especially candles.  
• Ensure that all lights are in good working order, discard any with frayed wires or without proper electrical certification.
• The NFPA, or National Fire Protection Agency, notes that one in four Christmas Tree fires start from electrical issues, and an additional one in four start from heating devices placed too close to the tree. 
• The NFPA recommends that trees be removed once they lose their fresh smell and all their needles begin to fall. The NFPA would recommend you to not lean the tree against the home as that is also a Fire hazard. Most trash services will pick up old Christmas trees placed next to receptacles at the curb over the next couple of weeks. Dying Christmas trees are just a fire waiting to happen and you'd rather be safe than sorry!