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 Montgomery County fire officials.

"As you deck the halls this holiday season be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly," according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.

Keeping your family and home safe, fire officials say, starts with the type of tree you buy.

"Christmas trees require special attention. When selecting a tree, freshness is important," the fire department said in a statement.

Choose a tree with green needles that won't shed. To check, tap the tree on the ground a couple times. If the needles fall off, the tree is most likely dried out and could pose a fire hazard, officials said.

'Tis the season to be careful! We're kicking off the Chief's 12 Days of Holiday Safety w/ some important reminders. First Up: TREES. Real Tree? Water daily. Pre-lit tree? Check wires for worn spots. Remember: poor placement of Christmas trees can be a dangerous fire hazard too. pic.twitter.com/y7sdIR9aVo
— MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire (@mcfrs) December 11, 2018

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. Officials also said it's important to keep an eye on children and pets, who may knock the tree over.

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.

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."

According to officials, "one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by an electrical problem."

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.

"When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by having the county's recycling service pick it up on the designated day(s)," the fire department said.

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.

"Bottom line: don't wait for a fire to test your smoke alarm," the fire department said.

On Nov. 21, a house fire in Bethesda claimed the lives of two longtime residents. The victims are the first two residential fire deaths in Montgomery County this year, according to records.

Upon further investigation, officials found there were no working smoke alarms in the house.

"The fire is out but the sadness continues on the loss of 2 long-time County residents," the fire department tweeted. "Investigators found smoke alarms still in the packaging & not installed in the home."

The fire is out but the sadness continues on the loss of 2 long-time County residents. Investigators found smoke alarms still in the packaging & not installed in the home. Please check your smoke alarms. MCFRS can help. Call 311 for info. https://t.co/pay02k5pp9 pic.twitter.com/9mjJpYqlhA
— MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire (@mcfrs) December 11, 2018

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.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Video by the National Fire Protection Association