Here's What Will ACTUALLY Turn Your Christmas Tree Into a Fire Hazard
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The holidays wouldn’t be complete without putting up a decked-out Christmas tree in your entryway or living room. And 94 percent of Americans put one on display each year, per a 2023 poll from the American Christmas Tree Association. While they certainly look merry and bright, they can unfortunately also become a major fire hazard in your home if you aren't careful.
“According to the National Fire Research Laboratory, more than 200 house fires involving Christmas trees are reported each year, leading to an average of six fatalities, 16 injuries, and over $16 million in property damage,” says Steve Colorundo, Director of Claims at Plymouth Rock Assurance. The main reason for this is that real Christmas trees are essentially tinder.
“The longer they stand in your home, the dryer they will get,” explains Jerod Blomberg, a former firefighter who is now a home inspector with WIN Home Inspection. “The dryer the trees and needles are, the easier they are to light with a small flame or spark.”
You want to be extra careful about the positioning of your tree, as any accidental fire may quickly spread.
“At its peak, a burning six-foot tree can give off the same heat as 40,000 100-watt light bulbs—as much as a burning full-sized automobile,” says Jen Wilbert, Assistant Vice President at Property Portfolio at Travelers Insurance. “This is enough to create flashover conditions (when all other objects in a room are ignited by the fire and it rapidly spreads to other rooms) within a typical living room.”
However, the danger does not only apply to real Christmas trees. Artificial Christmas trees also present their own fire risks.
“The Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America notes that although artificial trees are typically flame-resistant, this resistance can weaken if a fire burns either hot or long enough, potentially causing the entire tree to catch fire,” adds Colorundo.
Mistakes That Make Your Christmas Tree a Fire Hazard
Ahead, experts explain everything you need to know about avoiding Christmas tree fires and keeping your household safe this holiday season.
You Don’t Use LED Tree Decorations
It's time to retire the decades-old incandescents. Older lights that are not LEDs can pose more of a fire risk.
“LEDs are energy savers, use about 90 percent less energy than incandescents, stay cool to the touch, and last much longer,” says Ryan Gregor, electrician and founder of RCG Electrical. “While incandescents have a warm, nostalgic glow, LEDs are the safer, more efficient choice.”
You Leave Your Christmas Tree Lights on All Night
As pretty as those tree lights look in the window after dark, you should power them off when everyone at home is asleep or away from home for hours.
“Even LED lights, which run cooler, draw power—and any small electrical issue can be risky over long hours,” says Gregor. “Use a timer if you like them on in the evening, but give them a break when you go to bed.”
You Keep Your Tree Close to Outlets
You should never allow your tree to touch the power outlets on your walls.
“Keep a minimum of two feet distance between an outlet and a Christmas tree,” says Blomberg. “Receptacle inserts should be considered to prevent accidental insertion into receptacles.
Your Tree Is Placed Near Your Fireplace
While it can really set the mood for a cold winter night, your Christmas tree should never be close to your fireplace.
“The distance you should keep your tree from a fireplace would depend on what type of fireplace you have. If you have an open-flame, wood-burning fireplace, a greater distance should be kept. I’d recommend at least 10 feet,” says Blomberg. “If you have a fully enclosed gas fireplace, a closer distance can still be safe.”
You Wait Until February to Throw Your Tree Out
The longer your tree remains in your home, the drier it becomes, which increases the fire risk.
“Christmas trees should be removed from the home when the needles become so brittle that they break off with a light touch,” says Blomberg. “At this point, it takes very little to start a fire.”
How to Prevent Your Christmas Tree From Becoming a Fire Hazard
Although no one plans for their Christmas tree to start a fire, you should be prepared in advance.
“Make sure proper fire suppression and fire detection devices are available,” says Blomberg. “Properly installed smoke detectors and fire extinguishers can prevent a small fire from becoming a deadly fire.”
If a fire does start in your home due to your Christmas tree, the damage will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance.
“Typically a standard homeowners insurance policy will cover the damage to the structure of the home and its contents,” adds Colorundo. “Fire is considered an insured peril under standard home insurance policies, and there is generally no exclusion for Christmas trees or holiday decorations.”
Still, it's better to be safe than sorry. Take extra care this season to select, prepare, and decorate your holiday tree following our experts' safety advice.
Pick a Freshly Cut Tree
Take your time to examine the trees on the lot or farm before purchasing. Avoid any that look dry, which can lead to a higher risk of fire.
“The more recently it has been cut, the more likely warm moisture will be contained in the tree,” says Blomberg.
Cut the Bottom of the Tree When You Get Home
Help your tree stay hydrated with this easy move. If you don’t have a cutting device, ask them to do it at the lot or farm before you head home.
“Sap tends to harden on the bottom of the tree, preventing it from drawing in water,” says Blomberg.
Adds Scott Seargeant, arborist and founder of Seargeant Landscape & Arboriculture, “The sap contains flammable compounds including turpentine and sugars.”
Keep Warm Water in the Reservoir
Don’t pour ice-cold water into the bottom of the tree. Instead, warm up the water for better absorption.
“The tree can draw up multiple gallons of water in the first several days after putting it up,” says Blomberg.
Add a Tree Preservative to the Reservoir
Try this unless you have pets that might drink from it.
“Preservatives keep fungi from growing into the tiny vessels that conduct water up into the tree,” says Seargeant.
Use a Humidifier
You may have a humidifier running in your bedroom to prevent dry skin and a scratchy throat, but Seargant also suggests using a humidifier to help keep the air in your living moist. This will help prevent your tree from drying out faster.
Use UL-Listed Lights
Lights that are UL-listed (i.e., certified by the third-party company Underwriters Laboratories) can help you reduce fire risk.
“UL-listed lights meet safety standards, reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions that could lead to fires,” says Sydney Sims, a consumer advocate at Ownerly.
Inspect Lights and Other Electrically Powered Decorations
Before decorating the tree, lay out your light strands and look for any broken or missing bulbs, which can increase fire risk.
“Inspect the light strings and other powered decorations for damaged (cracked/brittle) or missing plastic insulation, exposed wires, any discoloration or other problems,” says Wilbert. “If any of these defects are found, don’t use the items and throw them away.”
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Homeowners should be cautious not to overload electrical outlets with multiple light strands.
“It is advised to follow manufacturer guidelines regarding how many strands can be connected safely and refrain from overloading outlets and extension plugs,” says Colorundo.
Adds Kim Wright, Director of Corporate Security at ADT, “Use proper extension cords. Using extension cords rated for the power requirements of your lights and avoiding overloading them helps prevent fire hazards by ensuring the cords can handle the electrical load without overheating.”
Keep Pets Away From Your Tree
Your Christmas tree can easily become a chew toy for your furry family members—and this can seriously hurt them and potentially the rest of your household.
“Pets can chew, paw, and otherwise damage the lights on your tree (or even knock the tree over),” says Wilbert. “And always check to see whether a pet has damaged any lights or if the lights go out or start going on and off on their own.”
Opt for Battery-Operated Flameless Candles
If using candles as decorations for or near the tree, don’t use real candles.
“Battery-operated flameless candles eliminate the risk of an open flame coming into contact with the tree’s branches, needles, or decorations while also providing the same decorative effect,” says Wright.
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