WATCH: What Happens To A Dry Christmas Tree?

By ALEXIS TARRAZI (Patch Staff)

Is your Christmas tree a potential killer?

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 210 home structure fires per year that began with Christmas trees in 2009-2013, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

These fires caused an annual average of seven civilian deaths, 19 civilian injuries, and $17.5 million in direct property damage. On average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

When these fires occur, they are much more likely to be deadly than most other fires. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in 30 percent of Christmas tree fires. In one-quarter (24%) of the Christmas tree fires and two-thirds (67%) of the deaths, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Four of every five Christmas tree fires occurred in December and January. Almost half (44%) were in December. More than one-third (37%) were in January, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Leading causes of Christmas tree fires

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 38% of home Christmas tree fires.

Twenty-two percent of Christmas tree fires were intentional.

• Only 9% of the intentional fires occurred in December.

Nine percent of Christmas tree fires were started by someone, usually a child, playing with fire.

Candles started 8% of home Christmas tree structure fires.

Video

The U.S. Fire Administration partnered with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Building and Fire Research Laboratory to illustrate on video the dramatic affects of fire when it ignites a maintained (wet) cut Christmas tree and a dry tree.