Reality of Christmas tree fires

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Each December and January, firefighters across North America respond to an average 500 home fires that started with Christmas trees.  Recent figures from the US-based National Fire Protection Association say that the average 260 house fires involving Christmas trees cause 14 deaths, 26 injuries and $13.8 million in direct property damage every year.

While Christmas tree fires may not be too common, when they do occur, they are serious. The Association says that on average, one out of every 21 tree fires resulted in death.

This video from the U.S. Fire Administration shows just how quickly a tree can burn, and how, in an instant, homes and lives can be ruined.

Tips for a fire-safe holiday from the Canada Safety Council:

The Christmas Tree

• Get a freshly cut tree. It will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Try to pick a tree with a strong green colour and noticeable fragrance.
• Always test for freshness before buying. A tree with high moisture content is safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt of the tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend, not break; and the stump should be sticky with resin.
• Place the tree in a stand that will hold 2 to 3 litres of water and top it up daily. Make sure it is always immersed in water: If water drops below the trunk, the stem may reseal itself, requiring a fresh cut. Use a tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance.
• Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not block doors or windows.
• Never use lighted candles on the tree.
• Remove the tree within 10 to 14 days.  After that amount of time in a heated building, even the freshest tree can start to dry out.

Decorations

• Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
• If there are young children or pets in your home, avoid very small decorations.
• Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.
• Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.

Lights

• Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/sets.
• Use the proper lights for the environment. Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors.
• Inspect light strings/set before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
• Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming into contact. Illuminate metallic trees with colored floodlights placed at a safe distance from the tree and out of reach.
• Turn off all tree and display lights before retiring for the night or before leaving the house.

Candles

• Place candles away from absolutely anything that could catch fire.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Burn them only when a responsible adult is overseeing the flame.
• Put candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface, well away from drafts, curtains, children and pets.
• Snuff them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.

The Fireplace

• Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing in the fireplace. They burn too rapidly and generate far too much heat.
• Don’t hang Christmas stockings from the mantel when the fireplace is in use.
• Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks.
• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned and dried wood.
• Never leave the fire unattended or let it smolder.
• Clean the ashes regularly. Place the ashes in a metal container and store outside away from flammable materials.
• Don’t use Christmas trees for firewood.

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