How flammable is a dry live Christmas Tree compared to a regularly watered tree?

Remember to water your tree!

While rare, a fire involving a dry Christmas tree is incredibly dangerous. Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Keeping your live tree moist is important. The video below demonstrates the flammability of a dry Christmas vs. a tree which is watered regularly.

According to the National Fire Prevention Agency on average, one of every 40 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires.

Here are some Christmas Tree Safety Tips from the National Fire Prevention Agency

Picking the tree

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1″ – 2″ from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

• Keep your tree well watered. When you bring your tree home, saw a couple of inches off of the bottom of the tree. This opens the pores and allows water to be absorbed. Place the tree in a five gallon bucket of water and allow it to soak up as much water as possible before bringing it indoors. Once inside, check the water level regularly. Never allow the water line to go below the base of the tree.