Fire Safety during the Holiday Season

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

A dry Christmas Tree can erupt and consume all the oxygen in the room within 40 seconds.

With the onset of the holiday season, homeowners and business owners across the country will begin decorating their properties with festive lights, trees, candles and more. While these items can add plenty of charm and cheer, there are a few potential dangers your customers and loved ones should be aware of during the winter months. 

Candles alone cause an estimated 15,600 fires each year, causing 1,270 injuries and more than $539 million in property damage. December is the peak month for candle fires, and Christmas day is the peak day. More than half of all candle fires start because the candle is set too close to a combustible material. 

According to the U.S. Fire administration, Christmas trees account for an estimated 200 fires annually and cause more than $6 million in property damage. These fires can be easily prevented simply by keeping your live tree watered. 

Tips and statistics reproduced from NFPA's Web site. (2009)