​Facts & figures

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​Between 2005-2009, 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 13 deaths, 27 injuries, and $16.7 million in direct property damage annually.

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Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 18 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.

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A heat source too close to the Christmas tree started one of every five (20%) of these fires.

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Eighteen percent of home Christmas tree structure fires were intentionally set. Half of the intentional Christmas tree fires occurred in January and may have been related to disposal.

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More information is available through the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org

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This NFPA / UL video demonstrates the flammability of a dry Christmas tree vs. a tree that has been watered regularly.

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