How Quickly Does a Christmas Tree Fire Burn the House Down?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

How fast can Christmas tree fires spread? In controlled tests, fire researchers found that a dry Christmas tree can become engulfed in less than 10 seconds. And “flashover” occurs roughly 70 seconds after an un-watered tree is ignited.

Christmas is a happy time of year, and let’s keep it that way. Please check off your Christmas tree fire safety list.

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily.
• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested, and throw out any damaged lights.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree, surrounding furniture and décor.
• Bedtime means lights off! ­ don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.

Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda. If you do have any fire or smoke damage to your property remember to give SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda a call at 916-991-1522.