Christmas Tree Fires: It Can Happen!

A real Christmas tree can bring beauty and a refreshing scent into your home, but if not treated correctly, it can also pose a dangerous situation in your home. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that there is an estimated annual average of 210 home structure fires that begin with Christmas trees. These fires caused an average of 6 deaths, 16 injuries, and $16.2 million in direct property damage annually.

The NFPA analysis also shows that although the number of Christmas tree fires is low, these fires represent a higher level of hazard. On average, one of every 34 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires. Further, some type of electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in one-third of home Christmas tree fires.

The percentage of trees involved in structure fires represent an extremely small portion of the total number of natural Christmas trees sold, which is estimated at 30 million trees, in the United States each year. The moisture content of each tree can play a dominant role in determining the fire hazard each tree represents.

Keep you and your family safe this Holiday Season by properly monitoring and caring for your Christmas tree.