The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment.
Facts & figures • During 2003-2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 250 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually. • During 2003-2006, an estimated 14,800 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 160 civilian deaths, 1,340 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $471 million. • Four in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home. • Half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February in 2003-2006.
Holiday safety tips: • Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. • Keep candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
Christmas tree fires (Courtesy of National Fire Prevention Association) Carefully decorating Christmas trees can help make your holidays safer. This NFPA/UL video demonstrates the flammability of a dry Christmas tree (left) vs. a tree that has been watered regularly (right).
Facts & figures • Between 2003-2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 250 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually. • 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.
Christmas tree safety tips: • 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. • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
