Is Your Christmas Tree a Fire Hazard?

Millions of Americans celebrate Christmas by displaying and decorating a tree inside their home. While some of these trees are artificial, others are real, living evergreen trees, such as a spruce or pine. Real Christmas trees are often preferred over their artificial counterparts. But if you're planning to display a real Christmas tree in your home or business, you should use caution to prevent a fire.

Statistics on Christmas Tree Fires

According to a new report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were about 100 Christmas tree-related fires that occurred between 2013 to 2015, which were responsible for about 10 deaths, 10 injuries and more than $12 million in damage each year. Furthermore, the CPSC states that more than 200 injuries occur each year from all decorating activities. So, while displaying and decorating a Christmas tree may sound harmless, it's a potential hazard that homeowners and business owners need to be aware of.

“There are about 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the busy holiday season,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle. “Make safety a part of your family’s holiday decorating this year. Keep your Christmas tree watered, check holiday lights before you put them on the tree and use extra caution with candles.”

How Christmas Tree Fires Occur

Christmas trees can contribute to or cause a fire in several ways. Some homeowners, for example, place candles around their tree to set the mood and create a more festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, candles and Christmas trees don't go together. If a burning candle is placed too close to a Christmas tree, the flame may ignite the tree's needles.

Even string lights can ignite a Christmas tree. Lights that produce too much heat may cause the needles on your Christmas tree to ignite. You can still decorate your Christmas tree with string lights, but you should choose high-quality lights that have been tested for safety in a laboratory. Also, make sure your Christmas tree has plenty of water at all times. Allowing the reservoir at the bottom of your tree to run dry is a serious mistake that can increase the risk of a fire. Without water, your Christmas tree will dry out, making it easier to catch fire.

Finally, remember to use an appropriate extension cords with your lights. If the extension cord isn't rated for use with your lights, avoid using it. Instead, find an appropriate extension cord that can safely handle the energy requirements of your lights.