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Christmas Fire Safety

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires each year. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Here is what you need to know about keeping your home and family safe from fires during the holiday season!

The top three days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year's Day, and New Year's Eve.

Facts About Christmas Fire Safety

  • One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
  • A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four of Christmas tree fires.
  • December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
  • One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom.

This page is a companion to our Thanksgiving fire safety page.

Safety and Your Tree Quick Tips

  • Natural trees should be cut at a 45 degree angle
  • Place tree away from sources of heat
  • Use only non-flammable decorations
  • Inspect lights for frayed wire or other defects before use
  • Do not leave lights on unattended
  • Keep the tree stand full of water at all times
  • When the tree becomes dry, discard it immediately

Quick Tips to Share

An infographic promoting fire safety during the holidays, emphasizing keeping Christmas trees away from heat sources.
An infographic urging fire safety with candles during holidays, advising to keep decorations away from flames and consider flameless candles.
English infographic about holiday electrical wire safety
Spanish infographic about holiday electrical wire safety
Graphic of a hand watering a decorated Christmas tree, with Spanish text on fire safety by FEMA.
Graphic advising to water Christmas tree daily to prevent fire, by U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA.
A safety message about disposing of dry Christmas trees to prevent fires, with a man removing a tree from a house.
A person discarding a Christmas tree, with a safety message about dry trees being a fire hazard.
An illustration promoting the use of battery-operated flameless candles, which mimic real candles, endorsed by FEMA and US Fire Administration.
An infographic promoting the use of flameless, battery-operated candles for safety, with text in Spanish.
An infographic promoting fire safety during the holidays, emphasizing keeping Christmas trees away from heat sources.
An infographic urging fire safety with candles during holidays, advising to keep decorations away from flames and consider flameless candles.
English infographic about holiday electrical wire safety
Spanish infographic about holiday electrical wire safety
Graphic of a hand watering a decorated Christmas tree, with Spanish text on fire safety by FEMA.
Graphic advising to water Christmas tree daily to prevent fire, by U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA.
A safety message about disposing of dry Christmas trees to prevent fires, with a man removing a tree from a house.
A person discarding a Christmas tree, with a safety message about dry trees being a fire hazard.
An illustration promoting the use of battery-operated flameless candles, which mimic real candles, endorsed by FEMA and US Fire Administration.
An infographic promoting the use of flameless, battery-operated candles for safety, with text in Spanish.

Source for Content: National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration.