Home fires that start with Christmas trees create a very hot blaze that can spread through a room in seconds. They are more deadly than typical fires.
A National Fire Prevention Association study shows that one in 18 Christmas tree fires from 2005 to 2009 resulted in a death, compared with one in every 141 home fires overall. The US Fire Administration explains why it happens.
Trees provide an unusually large amount of fuel and can create a fire that can spread rapidly, leaving little time to get out of the house. They are especially deadly if they occur at night when people are sleeping.
While this type of fire is fairly unusual, it is far more serious than any other type of house fire.
The number of Christmas tree fires has dropped in recent years, mainly because of improved public education, and increased use of less-flammable artificial trees.
Many families still prefer a natural and traditional Christmas tree, and choosing one provides an annual family outing.
If the trees are fresh, they have a pleasant evergreen aroma. Putting up a real tree can be a daunting task that includes sawing and whittling, but it is often part of a family tradition.
Rick Dungey of the National Christmas Tree Association says trees are not a fire hazard if you take care of them. If a tree is well watered, there's little chance that it will ignite.
Though you may have heard them before, check these instructions again for having a safe, natural Christmas tree:
* Keep the tree well-watered. Check the water supply at least once a day. Trees can drink a lot of water.
* Use new or high-quality lighting. That means no strings with frayed cords or lights that have worn connections.
* Turn off the lights before leaving home and before going to bed.
* Get rid of the tree as soon as it feels dry.
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