Tis the season for Christmas trees to adorn living rooms. Because of this, it’s also the season to think about the safety surrounding your Christmas tree.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments in the United States responded to an annual average of 155 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees between 2018 and 2022. Its website reported that “on average, these fires resulted in four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage each year. NFPA data indicates that fires involving fresh Christmas trees tend to be more common than artificial tree fires.”

When fires involving Christmas trees do occur, especially involving fresh Christmas trees, they’re likely to be serious. Why? Because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them more flammable the longer they’re in the home.

Make sure you are watering a fresh tree often, as a dried-out Christmas tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one.

In 2024, statistics from the NFPA found that electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five (41 percent) home Christmas tree fires. Other statistics include:

• One in five (20 percent) home Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs. 
• More than one in 10 (11 percent) home Christmas tree fires were started by candles.
• Two in five (40 percent) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

Check out the flier below for more information to keep you, your family, and your home safe during the Christmas season.