Industry Associations Promote Best Practices in Christmas Tree Fire Safety
By Tammy Leytham
Come December, homes get decked out with lights, holiday trees, and decorations. And each year, firefighters respond to an average of 160 home structure fires that started with ignition of a Christmas tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
While Christmas trees are beautiful, they also pose a dangerous fire hazard.
From 2016-2020, Christmas tree-related house fires averaged two deaths, 11 injuries, and $12 million in property damage each year. The good news: That number is on a downward slide, from a high of 280 fires in 2007 to a low of 130 fires in both 2016 and 2017, according to the NFPA.
Christmas tree fires quickly release a large amount of energy, placing them among the higher hazards when it comes to contents and furnishings. Natural-cut Christmas trees can pose a more severe hazard than artificial trees, especially when they go without water for even a short period of time. A dry tree, faulty lights, and open flames create dangerous conditions.
The NFPA 1 Fire Code puts limits on both natural cut and artificial Christmas trees, as it does for mattresses and upholstered furniture.
Guidelines include:
Artificial vegetation and artificial Christmas trees must be labeled/identified or certified by the manufacturer as being fire retardant.
Decorations should also be fire retardant.
Christmas trees should not obstruct corridors or exits.
Only listed electrical lights and wiring should be used on natural or artificial Christmas trees.
The bottom end of the natural tree trunk should be cut off at least a half-inch above the end prior to placing the tree in a stand. This allows the tree to absorb water.
The tree should be removed from the building immediately upon evidence of dryness.
The American Christmas Tree Association also encourages consumers to keep fire safety top-of-mind this holiday season.
“Whether consumers choose a live or artificial Christmas tree, it is essential to follow fire safety guidelines when displaying holiday décor to prevent potential fire hazards in the home,” said ACTA Executive Director Jami Warner.
On average, 44 percent of Christmas tree-related fires have involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
“For those with a live Christmas tree, place your tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water to ensure your tree stays moist,” said Warner. “Live Christmas trees will last around four weeks after purchasing, and keeping a dry tree in the home increases the likelihood of a fire.”
Although artificial Christmas trees are created to be fire retardant, it is still crucial to check outlets, tree light bulbs, and light cords to decrease the chance of a spark being introduced in the home, Warner said.
The nonprofit ACTA recommends four best practices when displaying a live or artificial Christmas tree:
Place the Christmas tree a minimum of three feet away from heat sources, including lamps, heating vents, radiators, fireplaces, and candles.
Check outlets and light cords for any fraying or other damage.
Avoid the use of lit candles to decorate Christmas trees, artificial or live. Do not place lit candles underneath or near Christmas trees. Never leave burning candles unattended.
Turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
Remember to replace water as often as necessary to keep the water level constantly above the cut on a natural-cut tree. Both the ACTA and NFPA say it’s essential to check water every day.
Keep in mind that even with safety measures in place, natural-cut trees are prohibited from multiple-occupant facilities such as dormitories, educational buildings, and hotels. Trees should only be in apartment units and multi-family dwellings that have automatic fire sprinkler protection.
Artificial Christmas trees can also present a fire hazard, as they have thin needles spaced to allow rapid fire growth, and their synthetic materials warrant special provisions by the NFPA.
So while enjoying a festive Yuletide and decorating in holiday style, take precautions to stay safe this season.