Fire Department: Remember basic rules for holiday tree safety

Each year, nearly 156,000 fires in the United States occur during the winter holiday season, claiming nearly 630 lives, causing 2,600 injuries and an estimated 554 million dollars in property damage. Fire loads increase throughout the holiday season, as homes are decorated with seasonal garlands, electric lights, candles and more.

"Probably the most popular addition to the home during this time of the year is the holiday tree, yet their beauty and popularity is accompanied by sobering statistics," said Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Boyd. "When a tree is the first material ignited in a fire, a fatality is eight times more likely to occur than in fires ignited by other materials," he said, adding that on average, one in every 22 reported home holiday tree fires results in a death. The incidence of holiday tree fires increases as the holiday season progresses as the trees dry out and become more combustible, with the highest incidence rate occurring December 22 to 28.

Sound terrifying?? It doesn't have to be, as long as the hazards of holiday trees are recognized and preventive steps taken. The Bellingham Fire Department would like everyone to remember the basic rules for holiday tree safety:

Chose the freshest tree possible. If the needles appear dry at first, think what they will look like after several weeks.
When you bring the tree home make sure you recut it at least 1/2" from the bottom. A tree trunk will seal over once it has been cut down. Think of it as a fresh cut flower, only slightly larger.
Make sure the tree stand has adequate support, will keep the tree stable and has at least a one-gallon water reservoir. The water level should be at least 2 inches above the tree's base.
Water daily. A standard-sized tree can use up to one gallon of water each day.
Keep away from heat sources. Fireplaces may look photogenic, but they will dry out a tree quickly. Baseboard heaters and forced air vents will have the same effect. NEVER place a lighted candle near a holiday tree.
Carefully inspect new and previously used lights and electrical decorations. Discard damaged items before putting them on the tree. Do not overload extension cords.
Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.
Do not substitute fireproofing spray for a daily water check. Keeping the tree well hydrated is still the best way to keep it safe.
Make sure a working smoke detector is present near a holiday tree and in every bedroom in the house.

View a demo of the fire resistance of a well-watered tree, and the flammability of a dry tree, on the December episode of Inside Bellingham on BTV10:

Updated: Dec 8, 2006