How To Care For Live Christmas Tree, Prevent Deadly House Fire

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Artificial and live Christmas trees, decked out in lights and surrounded by presents, can pose hazards to homes, warn fire officials. On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.

"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," Sleepy Hollow fire officials warn on the department's website. They have some important Christmas safety recommendations to help you deck the halls in a fun but safe manner.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• 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.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

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After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. 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 and make them last longer.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in a residential fire as other common household items, including newspapers and magazines, boxes or bags and curtains and drapes. But fires involving trees are especially dangerous, authorities say.

Data from the United States Fire Administration

• One of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.
• The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve. Candles start two out of five home decoration structure fires.

The hazards of a dry tree kept in a house are remembered by many Marylanders after a dried-out Christmas tree fueled a deadly blaze in January 2015 that killed an Annapolis couple and their four grandchildren.

Photo by David Allen/Patch