Avoid Christmas Tree Fires; Tips From Westport Fire Inspector [VIDEO]

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 30 million Christmas trees are sold in the US each year, while an average of 210 home structure fires begin with Christmas trees annually.

NFPA analysis also shows that although the number of Christmas tree fires is low, these fires represent a higher level of hazard. On average, one of every nine Christmas tree fires resulted in a fatality compared to an average of one death per 75 non-confined home structure fires.

Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.

Inspector Nate Gibbons outlined three crucial points about Christmas tree fire safety:

1. Keep your tree watered. Gibbons recommended a combination of 50 percent flat Sprite (yes, the Coca-Cola product) and 50 percent water to keep your tree hydrated.
2. Make sure your tree is clear of any combustibles – fireplaces, stoves and candles. You should never put any live candles on a tree.
3. Make sure your lights are new and in good condition – See if there is a UL (Underwriters Laboratories)  label on them, indicating they meet certain standards. If you are using an extension cord, use a properly grounded one with three prongs on it.

Some folks striving for a safer tree may opt for LED lights. Although LED lights burn cooler and last longer than tradition incandescent lights, Gibbons said all lights are safe if they are used properly. There is no inherent jump in safety between LED and regular lights.

“These days, lights are so small they don’t generate a lot of heat,” Gibbons said. “The old school bulbs that we had when I was a kid, we don’t recommended those anymore.”

If you go over the top decorating your tree or the exterior of your house, remember to avoid putting more than three light strands in one plug, Gibbons said. Also, consider adding how many watts of power your light strands are drawing combined and be sure it is less than your outlet’s maximum wattage rating.

Gibbons said using a surge protector is a class “A” way to decorate your house safely, something that he highly recommends using.

Whether you have an aromatic Frasier Fir in your living room or you haul down the same tree out of your attic each year, it is a good idea to think safety first.

Take a look at these United States Fire Administration holiday safety tips:

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

• Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - Movie segments demonstrating how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
• Selecting a Tree for the Holiday - Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
• Caring for Your Tree - Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Disposing of Your Tree - Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights - Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets - Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations

• Use Only Nonflammable Decorations - All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace - It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
• Artificial Christmas Trees - If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.