3 Small (Free) Tasks That Will Stop Your Christmas Tree Catching On Fire

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

A Minute a Day Can Save You A Lot of Heartache

Christmas is a time of joy, yet unfortunately some families in the Parkersburg, WV area have had this time turn to heartache. This heartache was so easily avoidable that we had to share this with the community. They did not keep their Christmas tree moist. Their Christmas tree became dryer over the holiday period and therefore was more vulnerable to fire.

“These fires can grow faster than you can act. Quickly engulfing the home.”

Why Is a Christmas Tree a Fire Hazard?

As the leaves and wood becomes dryer, they become optimal fuel for fire. The fire can feed off the materials and grow. These fires can grow faster than you can act with getting water, and as the fire grows, everything else around it becomes more likely to catch alight as well. As the fire grows larger and larger, catching smaller items, the home becomes more likely to go as well.

How To Prevent Your Christmas Tree from Catching On Fire

There are three vital steps to take with your real Christmas Tree:

1. Buy fresh Christmas Trees: The CPSC says “A fresh tree is green, its needles are hard to pull from branches, and its needles do not break when bent between your fingers."
2. Keep the tree away from all heat sources: Do not play with fire. Literally. Keep your Christmas tree more than 5 feet away from the fireplace and 3 feet from a heater or candles. Also remember to keep your Christmas tree away from any exits and doorways.
3. Water your tree daily: Do not let the leaves and wood dry. Luckily, this is very simple to do. All that you need is a spray bottle with water. Spray it every morning thoroughly to wet the leaves with a small mist over them. They will absorb the water, dramatically minimising the chance of fire.

A minute a day will save you tens of thousands of dollars in Fire Damage and a lot of heartache in a time that is meant for family.

If you wish to purchase an artificial tree be sure to check that it is fire resistant.

For more fire tips simply click here.

Enjoy your Christmas and have a joyous holiday period with your family.

From the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.