Christmas Tree Safety Tips: How To Prevent Devastating Fires

ASHBURN, VA — 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? The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department says following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Picking A Tree
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.

Placing The Tree

Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, according to the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

Taking Care Of A Tree

Once you bring the tree home, firefighters say it's important to water it daily. 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.

Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of light strands to connect and never use lit candles to decorate the tree, according to the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

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.
Get rid of the tree after Christmas, the Ashburn fire department says. 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 to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards.

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.

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.