I don’t want to bum you out here, but to those in the fire fighting and home insurance industries, Christmas isn’t only known for being the time of joy and giving.
According to the stats, it’s also the time of year when you’re most likely to experience a fire at home since house fires often peak in the winter months of December, January and February. (1)
One of the reasons? Christmas tree fires.
SOBERING CHRISTMAS TREE FIRE STATS
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs estimates around 200 Christmas tree fires occur every year in Canada. (2)
In British Columbia, there have been 15 injuries, 4 deaths and more than $14 million worth of damage caused by Christmas tree fires over a 10 year span. (3)
At home here in Ontario (Oxford Mills specifically), 4 people lost their lives when a dry Christmas tree caught on fire. (4)
Bah, humbug indeed.
WHY ARE CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES SO DANGEROUS?
Christmas tree fires usually happen when a combination of dryness, heat, and ignition sources come together; often during the holiday season when people have trees indoors for weeks.
Dry Trees Ignite Easily!
Especially when not watered daily, real Christmas trees can dry out quickly and become super flammable. Combined with the fact that most trees have electrical lights strung throughout makes for a potentially disastrous recipe.
Electrical Failures and Faulty Lights!
Even if you keep the tree watered, a faulty string of Christmas lights can still be a dangerous ignition source.
Old or damaged wires, broken bulbs or overloaded outlets can all spark a fire.
Heat Sources Too Close!
Placing a Christmas tree, whether dry or not, close to a fireplace, stove, radiators, space heaters or candles is asking for trouble. Even just a few minutes of exposure to radiant heat can dry out and ignite a branch.
An ignited Christmas tree can engulf an entire room within 2 minutes! (5)
Improper Disposal or Storage!
Once the tree is taken down, the danger is not over. A dried out tree left out in a garage or balcony can ignite from a stray spark or ash.
HOW TO PREVENT CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES
Based on recommendations from sources such as Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal, here is how you can reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire happening in your home this season.
1\ Choose a Safe Tree
If it’s real, check to make sure the needles are green and the trunk is sticky with sap. This indicates that the tree is fresh and not close to drying out.
If it’s artificial, ensure it’s fire resistant (most modern artificial trees bought in recent years will be).
2\ Keep the Tree Hydrated
If you’re displaying a real tree, make sure it’s watered daily. Never let the base be empty of water. If it is, even for as short as 1 day, the base could seal and stop absorbing water.
3\ Use Safe Lighting
Each year when you’re putting up the tree, check all your lights to make sure the wires are not frayed and there are no broken bulbs.
It’s also a good idea to plug them into a power bar with surge protection.
Always turn off the lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
4\ Keep Heat and Flames Away
Give a wide berth if at least 3 feet around your tree and heat sources like fire places and candles.
NEVER use real candles on your Christmas tree (this used to be a popular thing to do decades ago, this tradition can be left in the past).
5\ Dispose of the Tree Early
As soon as you see signs of drying, dispose of the tree.
Do not store on the property. Check local collection schedules and get it curbside ASAP for safe and proper disposal.
Bonus: this helps you avoid becoming that strange neighbor with a Christmas tree up into February 🙂
We know thinking about these things is a real downer, but being aware and prepared could very well save your life.
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
SOURCES:
1. redcross.ca
4. citynews.ca
5. cbc.ca
