Christmas: Fire safety tips for a real tree

If you’re considering getting a real Christmas tree this year, you may be more at risk of a rapidly burning fire if you don’t take the right preventative measures. And, although it might not be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to Christmas, safety precautions to prevent a Christmas tree fire must be taken. From choosing a tree to knowing how to safely get rid of it, we’ve compiled some real Christmas tree safety tips to ensure your festive season is memorable for all the right reasons.

Choosing a tree

If you’re on the hunt for a real Christmas tree, take care to find one that’s appropriate for the space you’re planning to put it in. Consider its surroundings within the chosen room and take measurements for width and height. Pick a tree that has fresh green needles that don’t fall off when brushed against and ensure its trunk feels sticky to the touch. A common live Christmas tree fire hazard is choosing a tree that easily sheds its needles, as these trees have likely been cut too long, are drying out and therefore pose a heightened risk of ignition. It’s worth bearing in mind that a real Christmas tree will only look its best and remain relatively safe for about two weeks. 

Finding the best place for your tree

You’ll want your beautifully decorated Christmas tree to take pride of place in your home and be easily visible to any passers-by outside, but it’s crucial to carefully consider the safest place for it. Christmas trees should never be stood near an open source of flame or heat, as this will dry out the tree and create a higher chance of it catching fire. You should also ensure the tree isn’t blocking an exit.

Taking care of your tree

Always bear in mind the three ingredients of the ‘fire triangle’ – fuel, oxygen and heat are needed to produce a fire. A dry or dead Christmas tree fire hazard is that its arid nature can serve as fuel for a fire, so taking steps to keep your tree in as good a condition as possible is vital. Stand your tree in a bucket of water and top up the water daily. A dry tree could result in your home becoming engulfed in flames within seconds of it setting alight.

Decorations made of tissue paper or cardboard hanging from the tree’s branches pose a fire hazard too, and candles should be kept well out of the way. Be cautious when choosing fairy lights – check the fuses are the correct type, don’t overload sockets and place them carefully on the tree (not near anything that could easily burn). Also, double check the Christmas tree lights are turned off every night and whenever you leave the house.

Year-round fire precautions are just as important

Is your home kitted out with the appropriate fire protection equipment? It’s a good time of year to prioritise installing it if you’re without – or giving it an inspection if it’s already in place. A well-maintained smoke alarm could make that life-saving difference if a fire was to break out in your home. Fire blankets and our compact but high-performing MultiCHEM two-litre fire extinguisher are ideal for the home setting and provide that extra peace of mind and protection. 

Safely disposing of your tree

Dried out trees are a fire hazard, so take down your tree soon after the festivities have finished. Don’t risk leaving it lying around the house or in the garage – take it to a recycling centre or look into local pick-up services in your area.

This year, as the family gathers excitedly to decorate your real Christmas tree, take into consideration these basic fire safety tips – they could save lives. This Christmas fire safety video from the London Fire Brigade raises awareness of the dangers with shocking footage that demonstrates just how quickly a Christmas tree fire can take hold. Take every precaution to ensure this isn’t your home.

CheckFire wishes everyone a safe and happy Christmas. 

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