Crime & Safety

Avoid Christmas Tree Fires with These Tips [VIDEO]

Christmas tree fires are much more likely to cause death than average home fires, and the risk of fire is higher with natural trees than artificial ones.

By Aysha Jamali

One of every three residential Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems and one in six are caused by a heat source too close to the tree, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. 

Statistics also show that Christmas tree fires are much more likely to cause death than average home fires, and the risk of fire is higher with natural trees than artificial ones.

>>It can take only seconds for an entire tree to become engulfed in flames. See video above for a live demonstration by Northville Township firefighters of a tree quickly catching fire.

When using a natural tree, State Fire Marshal Richard Miller says to:

  • make sure it's as fresh as possible
  • make a fresh cut of 1 to 2 inches at the base to allow it to absorb water
  • put the tree in a non-tip style holder with wide feet
  • use only holiday lights that have been approved by a testing agency for natural trees
Other holiday fire safety tips from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) include:
  • never use lighted candles on the tree
  • make sure your smoke alarms are in working order
  • make sure the tree is away from heat sources that could dry it our or cause it to catch fire
  • if using an artificial tree, make sure it's labeled as flame retardant
  • don't use any strings of lights that are frayed or broken
  • use no more than three standard-sized sets of lights per one extension cord
  • put the tree close to an electrical outlet so that cords are not stretched long distances
  • do not cover cords with rugs as it increases the fire hazard
  • remove your tree soon after the holidays


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