NFPA issues advice on preventing Christmas tree fires this holiday season

NFPA highlights fire risks of Christmas trees

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued guidance to help reduce the risk of home fires caused by Christmas trees during the holiday season.

According to NFPA data from 2018 to 2022, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 155 Christmas tree-related home structure fires annually.

These fires resulted in four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage each year.

The NFPA notes that fresh Christmas trees pose a higher fire risk than artificial ones, especially as they dry out over time.

A dried-out tree can ignite and burn more rapidly than a well-watered one.

Common causes of Christmas tree fires

The NFPA’s findings indicate that electrical distribution and lighting equipment are the leading causes of Christmas tree fires.

Key statistics from the NFPA include:

• 41% of home Christmas tree fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
• 20% were caused by lamps or bulbs.
• 11% were started by candles.
• 40% of these fires began in the living room.

The NFPA emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to avoid these potential ignition sources.

NFPA offers safety tips for holiday decorating

To help prevent Christmas tree fires, the NFPA advises homeowners to:

• Select fresh trees by checking for minimal needle shedding when handling branches.
• Cut two inches from the base of the tree trunk before placing it in a stand, and water it daily.
• Position trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and candles.
• Ensure the tree does not block any exits.
• Inspect Christmas tree lights for damage and follow manufacturer guidelines for indoor or outdoor use.
• Use lights certified by independent testing laboratories for safety compliance.

Proper disposal of Christmas trees

The NFPA also recommends promptly disposing of trees after Christmas or once they become dry, as dried-out trees are highly flammable.

Trees should not be stored in homes or garages or placed outside against a building.

Many communities offer tree recycling programs to safely discard them.

NFPA’s holiday safety resources

The NFPA provides additional holiday fire safety tips and resources on its website, including a free downloadable Christmas Tree Safety tip sheet.

For more detailed advice, visit the NFPA’s Holiday Fire Safety Tips page.

NFPA issues advice on preventing Christmas tree fires this holiday season: Summary

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued recommendations to help prevent Christmas tree-related fires during the holiday season.

NFPA data shows that between 2018 and 2022, U.S.

fire departments responded to an average of 155 home fires annually involving Christmas trees.

Electrical equipment, including lighting, caused 41% of these incidents, with candles accounting for another 11%.

To reduce risks, the NFPA advises selecting fresh trees, maintaining proper hydration, and ensuring lights meet safety standards.

They also recommend disposing of trees promptly after Christmas or when they dry out.

Additional resources and safety guides are available on the NFPA website.