Christmas tree fires aren’t extremely common, but they can cause a lot of damage.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 145 home fires started by a Christmas tree each year. Between 2019 and 2023, Christmas tree-related house fires caused $15 million in property damage. They also caused seven deaths and 13 injuries.
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment are involved in more than two in five (43%) Christmas tree fires. One in four fires is started by lamps or bulbs, and 12% are started by candles. Most Christmas tree fires (42%) start in the living room.
Christmas trees become increasingly flammable as they dry out, boosting the chances of a fire. According to the NFPA, 35% of Christmas tree fires occur in January, as the tree starts to lose its moisture.
The slideshow above highlights four things homeowners should know about preventing Christmas tree fires.
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