Christmas Tree Safety Tips: How To Prevent Devastating Fires

FAIRFAX CITY, 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 City of Fairfax Fire 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.

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.

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, the City of Fairfax Fire Department says on its website.

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.

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.

Holiday Decorating

More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, according to the City of Fairfax Fire Department. And more than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

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.