The video below shows the difference in burning between a dry Christmas tree and one that has been properly watered and maintained. As you can see, the difference is very drastic.
In fact, fires caused by Christmas trees have lead to the following statistics:
- Between 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 6 deaths, 22 injuries, and $18.3 million in direct property damage annually.
- 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.
- Electrical problems were factors in one-third (32%0 of home Christmas tree structure fires.
- Two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room, or den.
On behalf of everyone at the Glen Lake Fire Department,
Stay Safe and Have a Happy Holiday Season!