Fire or child safety is probably the last thing you want to worry about during the holidays. But the fact is when Christmas trees catch fire, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 15 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, between 2003 and 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries and $13.1 million in direct property damage annually*. The U.S. Fire Administration provides video of a Christmas tree catching fire and engulfing the family room in less than 40 seconds.
*Source: NFPA's "Home Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Fires" by Marty Aherns, November 2007
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