NFPA urges timely disposal of Christmas trees to reduce fire risk

Christmas tree fires present January fire hazard

More than one-third of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The association advises removing trees promptly after the holidays to minimize fire risks.

Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, noted: “As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires.”

Although Christmas tree fires are rare compared to other household fires, such as those involving candles, they tend to be more severe due to the flammability of dried-out trees.

Between 2018 and 2022, an annual average of 155 home fires began with Christmas trees.

These incidents resulted in four civilian deaths, seven injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA data.

The role of dried-out trees in fire severity

Christmas trees become more flammable as they dry out, increasing fire risks the longer they remain in homes.

Fresh, well-watered trees burn slower than dried-out ones, reducing the potential for rapid fire spread.

NFPA emphasizes that while Christmas tree fires represent a small fraction of U.S. home fires, their potential severity warrants careful disposal.

“Overall, fires that begin with Christmas trees represent a very small but notable part of the U.S. fire problem,” Carli added.

To reduce risks, NFPA recommends utilizing local recycling programs for tree disposal and avoiding storage in garages or leaving trees outdoors.

Tips for safely removing decorations

Proper removal and storage of Christmas decorations can also prevent electrical hazards.

NFPA offers the following safety tips:

• Use the gripping area on plugs when unplugging decorations; avoid pulling cords to prevent damage.
• Inspect light strings for loose connections, broken sockets, or exposed wires and discard any damaged sets.
• Wrap light strings individually and store them in plastic bags or around cardboard to protect them.
• Store all electrical decorations in a dry location, away from pets and children, to avoid damage from moisture.

These measures ensure decorations remain in good condition for future use and help reduce electrical fire risks.

NFPA and U.S. Fire Administration promote winter fire safety

For additional fire safety guidance, NFPA recommends its “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign, a joint initiative with the U.S. Fire Administration.

This annual campaign provides homeowners with resources for staying fire-safe during the winter season.

Christmas tree fire risks remain high in January, says NFPA: Summary

More than 36% of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees happen in January, as reported by NFPA.

These fires, though infrequent, are more severe due to the high flammability of dried-out trees.

NFPA advises immediate tree disposal and provides safety tips for removing and storing decorations.

From 2018 to 2022, Christmas tree-related fires caused four civilian deaths and $15 million in property damage annually.

NFPA promotes winter fire safety through its campaign with the U.S. Fire Administration.