Christmas Tree Safety Tips: How To Prevent Devastating Fires

SILVER SPRING, MD — Artificial and live Christmas trees — adorned with lights and surrounded by presents — sure look beautiful. But if homeowners aren't careful, those trees can pose a serious hazards to homes, warn fire officials.

From 2013 to 2017, the most recent years for which data is available, 160 home fires started with Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Forty-four percent of them were reportedly fueled by electrical problems.

So, how do you keep your family and home safe this holiday season? Montgomery County fire officials say it starts with the type of tree you buy.

Picking A Tree

"When selecting a tree for the holiday, needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch," according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.

Here's how to tell if a tree is no-good: bounce the tree trunk to the ground. Did a lot of needles fall off the tree? Then it has probably dried out — and is definitely a fire hazard.

Residents can also take the guesswork out of picking a real Christmas tree by getting one that is artificial and fire-resistant.

Taking Care Of A Tree

Once you bring the tree home, firefighters say it's important to water it daily and to keep it at least three feet away from a heat source, such as a fireplace or a space heater.

"A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four (Christmas tree) fires," according to the fire department.

In addition, residents should check that their Christmas tree's stand is sturdy. Keep an eye on children and pets, as they may knock the tree over.

Using Christmas Lights

Before you decorate the tree and your house, firefighters say residents should check that their Christmas lights were tested by an approved laboratory for safety, such as the UL. Outdoor lights should only be used outside; and indoor lights should only be used inside. Watch out for frayed wires, broken or cracked sockets, bare spots, or excessive wear. Get rid of damaged lights and avoid stringing more than three light strands together, the fire department said.

Using Extension Cords
You'll also want to keep an eye on extension cords.

"Overloaded extension cords and outlets can present a serious fire safety hazard," the fire department said. "Make sure that the extension cord is suitable for the electrical 'load' needed. Do not place cords under furniture or rugs and never plug two extension cords together to increase the total length. Demanding too much power from an extension cord risks overheating and fire. Be sure to read all packaging and instructions carefully when purchasing an extension cord and ensure it is UL listed."

Leaving Your Tree Unsupervised

Whether you hit the hay or leave the house, the same rule applies: lights out. Leaving Christmas tree lights on while you're away can be a serious fire hazard, officials warn.

Getting Rid of Your Tree

Although Christmas tree fires aren't common, when they do occur, they are usually very serious, according to the fire department.

Officials urge residents to get rid of their tree right after Christmas or as soon as it's dry. You should never put tree branches or needles in a wood-burning store or fireplace.

Smoke Alarms

Did you know that having working smoke detectors could double your chances of survival? That's why it's so important for residents to check their smoke alarms on a regular basis, officials said.

Like most things, smoke detectors have an expiration date. If your alarms are at least 10 years old, it's time to replace them.

More Christmas Tree Safety Information

For more Christmas tree safety information, click here. The department talks about other fire hazards, including candles, fireplaces, and cooking accidents.

Watch How Quickly A Christmas Tree Fire Spreads

The National Fire Protection Association published a video — embedded at the bottom of this post — that shows how fast a Christmas tree fire spreads.

VIDEO: National Fire Protection Association