Christmas Tree Fires

Video: This NFPA/UL video demonstrates the flammability of a dry Christmas tree vs. a tree that has been watered regularly.

Facts & figures

• Between 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 4 deaths, 21 injuries, and $17.3 million in direct property damage annually.
• Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 66 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.
• A heat source too close to the Christmas tree started one of every five (18%) of these fires.
• Nineteen percent of home Christmas tree structure fires were intentionally set. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of the intentionally set Christmas tree fires occurred in the 15 days after Christmas and may have been related to disposal.

Source: NFPA's "Home Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Fires" by John R. Hall, Jr., November 2012.

Also see: Fact sheet on Christmas trees and holiday lights (PDF, 51 KB)