Crime & Safety

Watch This Christmas Tree Burn In 73 Seconds

The holiday season can take a devastating turn as 1 out of 40 Christmas tree fires results in a death, according to fire statistics.

By Jenni Pompi and Autumn Johnson

How long would it take an under-watered tree to burn to ash? About 73 seconds.

Here are some guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association to decrease the chances of indoor tree fires during the holidays: 

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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

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  • 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.
According to the Alameda County Fire website:
  • A heat source near a Christmas tree causes 1 in 6 fires
  • 2 out of 5 holiday decoration fires are caused by candles
  • 1 out of 40 Christmas tree fires resulted in a death
The United States Fire Administration says over 900 people die annually in winter home fires. 

Alameda County Fire officials recommend taking steps to prevent fires.
  • Do not connect more than 3 strands of mini-lights together at once.
  • Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
  • Candles need to be at least 12 inches from anything that could burn.
  • Dispose of the tree immediately after the holiday.

Take this quiz to check your all-around fire safety knowledge. 


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