Tips to Prevent a Christmas Tree Fire

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your Christmas Season Fire Damage-Free with these tips!

Christmas is almost here! If you’re planning on putting a natural Christmas tree in your home in Buckhead, GA, here are some quick tips to be fire smart and protect your home from Christmas tree fire damage. From keeping candles out of sight to using holiday decorations safely, your home will be protected from potential fire damage with these five tips to prevent a Christmas tree fire in your home this year.

The Facts, Christmas Tree Fire Hazard

Did you know?

According to research by the NFPA, "From 2014 to 2018, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 160 home structure fires per year that began with Christmas

trees. These fires caused an annual average of two civilian deaths, 14 civilian injuries, and $10.3 million in direct property damage." With these tips, you'll make sure to enjoy your Christmas without worrying about needing fire restoration work. However, in case you do need us, SERVPRO of North Atlanta is Here to Help.

Pick the Right Tree to Prevent Fire Damage

A natural Christmas tree can be a beautiful and festive addition to your home, but it also carries an added risk: If not properly maintained, there’s a chance it could ignite. To prevent fire damage from occurring, choose one that is fresh and has been recently cut. Some trees tend to be drier than others; you may want to avoid pine or spruce trees, as these are often drier. Fir Trees tend to stay fresh the longest.

Try to find a fresh tree by doing the "needle drop" test. With the tree upright, lift it then drop it on the ground a few times. If a lot of needles fall off, then the tree might be dry enough to become a fire hazard. Trees with sticky tree trunks also tend to be fresher than others with dry trunks.

Tree Placement to Reduce Fire Risk

After buying your tree, it's important to prepare it to last the whole season. Do this by first cutting the base 2" of the trunk and placing it in a tree stand with water. Try to keep the tree watered daily so it stays fresh for as long as possible.

When finding a perfect place for your tree and presents, make sure that your tree is kept away from any heat sources, including lamps and fireplaces.  Also, try placing it near an outlet; you don't want to accidentally cut off power during decorating! Keep it at least 3 feet away from a fireplace, radiator, heat vents, or other heat supply. With too much heat, a live tree can quickly dry up and raise the risk of fire damage.

Lighting Your Tree Safely

Natural Christmas trees, like any tree, are flammable. Even trees that have been coated with fire retardants can burn down your home if you aren't careful while decorating. Use only lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL for short). Avoid putting lit candles on or near your tree. Ideally, avoid using flammable decorations, such as tinsel.

Use flame-retardant or LED lights instead of regular bulbs. If you have any worn or broken cords, it is best to replace damaged strings of lights rather than risk fire damage to your home. If you plan on using an open flame around your tree, make sure it's placed at least 3 feet away and never leave the house or go to sleep with lights connected to power and unattended.

With these tips in mind, your Christmas can be safer and fire damage free. However, if things go wrong and you need help repairing your home or business after a fire loss, SERVPRO of North Atlanta is Here to Help.

Call us at (404) 261-2925 for immediate assistance. Our teams of experience fire restoration technicians are available 24/7/365.