Christmas Tree Fire Statistics, 1999-2002

http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=952&itemID=23331&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fire%20statistics/Causes&cookie%5Ftest=1

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Causes



Structure fires begun by ignition of Christmas trees
1999-2002 annual averages reported to U.S. fire departments
Read NFPA's fact sheet on Christmas tree fires.
Download NFPA's free report "Examining Structure Fres Where Christmas Trees Were the Form of Material First Ignited" (PDF, 25 KB), November 2003.
Property class Fires Civilian deaths Civilian injuries Direct loss
Residential 320
14 41 $15,818,200
One- and two-family dwellings
265 13 34 $13,633,200
Multi-family dwelling 44 1 6 $2,085,000
Other residential 11 0 1 $99,900

Non-residential 40 1 3 $592,800
Mercantile and business 11 0 1 $306,100
Storage 9 0 1 $72,400
Health care and correction 8 0 0 $600
Unknown property class 4 0 1 $8,800
Assembly 4 0 0 $900

Manufacturing and processing 2 1 1 $198,900
Educational 1 0 0 $5,200
Industrial, utility, defense, agriculture, or mining 1 0 0 $0
Annual average 359 15 44 $16,411,060


Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one, and direct property damage to the nearest hundred dollars. Sums may not equal total due to rounding error.

Remember to always choose a fresh-cut Christmas tree. If you’re not cutting it yourself, buy a tree that’s not shedding its needles. Cut the trunk at an angle and install the tree in a large, deep, non-tip stand well away from fireplaces, exits, and heat sources. Be sure to water your tree frequently –check the level daily. Remove you tree promptly if it becomes dry. Store it well away from your home until you can dispose of it. If you use an artificial tree, be sure it’s flame-retardant. Also remember that winter is a peak season for fire because of heating fires, not because of holiday fires.

Common sense and basic daily maintenance will drastically reduce the chance of fire.

edited to thank mopaul for the PSA. :thumbsup: