Safety Tip: Preventing Christmas tree fires

The National Fire Protection Association offers a number of recommendations to help you stay safer while picking, putting up, decorating and disposing of a Christmas tree

Source: NMSU Newsroom
Photo: Courtesy

For all the joy and beauty that Christmas trees bring, it’s important to remember that they are large combustible items that present potential fire hazards in the home. New Mexico State University’s Emergency Planning Committee has some tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

The National Fire Protection Association offers a number of recommendations to help you stay safer while picking, putting up, decorating and disposing of a Christmas tree, including:

Test a fresh tree before purchasing it by running your hands along one of its branches. If you end up with more than a few needles, it’s a sign that the tree may be too dry.
After selecting a fresh tree, cut 2 inches (5 cm) from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand. Add water daily to keep the tree well hydrated.
Trees should be placed at least 3 feet (1 m) away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Ensure that decorative Christmas tree lights are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, keeping in mind that some lights are designed for indoor or outdoor use only, while others can be used for both.
When purchasing new tree lights, make sure they bear the mark of an independent, qualified testing laboratory, which ensures that the product has been tested to meet established safety standards.

According to the latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, lighting and electrical equipment cause most Christmas tree fires in the home. According to the research:

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five (41%) home Christmas tree fires.
One in five (20%) home Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs.
More than one in 10 (11%) home Christmas tree fires were started by candles.
Two in five (40%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

About one-third of these fires happen in January. It’s important to get rid of your tree soon after the holiday or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community officials to find a recycling program for your tree.

Visit the NFPA site for more holiday fire safety tips. Happy Holidays from NMSU’s Emergency Planning Committee.

Article posted by:

Levi Gwaltney

Levi Gwaltney is the Editor In Chief of Las Cruces Digest. The Editor makes editorial and posting decisions regarding content published on this site. In most cases, the Editor makes little if any contribution to content published, and takes no credit for the content of republished posts. If available, the source or author of posts is provided at the top of the article.