If you’re struggling to part ways with your Christmas tree, consider this: More than one-third (35 percent) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January.
With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) is strongly encouraging prompt removal of Christmas trees after the holiday season.
“As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “The longer they’re in the home, the more of a risk they present.”
According to NFPA data, Christmas tree fires don’t happen often, but when they do occur, they’re more likely to be serious. That’s in part because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them more flammable the longer they’re in the home. A dried-out Christmas tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one.
Between 2020 and 2024, there was an estimated annual average of 143 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees, resulting in seven civilian deaths, 13 civilian injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage.
“Fires that begin with Christmas trees represent a very small but notable part of the U.S. fire problem, considering that they are generally in use for a short time each year,” said Carli.
To safely dispose of a Christmas tree, NFPA recommends using the local community’s recycling program, if possible; trees should not be put in the garage or left outside. NFPA also offers these tips for safely removing lighting and decorations to ensure that they remain in good condition:
-
Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.
-
As you pack up light strings, inspect each set for damage. Throw out any that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.
-
Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
-
Store electrical decorations away from children and pets, and in a dry place where they will not be damaged by water or dampness.
Southwest Parke Community School Corporation ready for school year
Rosedale man arrested on child sex crimes charges
Meeting draws ire of residents, complaint filed with Indiana Public Access Counselor
Vermillion County Commissioners meeting halted before big topic
Rockville woman injured in Monday rollover crash
United Way of the Wabash Valley creates grant to support kindergarten readiness
IDEM announces grants to improve local waste management
48 hours until the Indiana State Fair opens
New Office of Cybersecurity established in Indiana
Kratos completes $50 million state-of-the-art hypersonic systems payload integration facility in Indiana
Lane closures, traffic pattern shift to impact I-70 in both directions in Vigo County
Take a ride in aviation history in Terre Haute this weekend
Know Now! available for safety messages in Vermillion County
FSSA to text HIP members about HIP work requirements
South Vermillion among Student Advisory Committee Grant recipients announced
