Summary
- • On average, Christmas tree fires result in $16.2 million in property damage each year.
- • One in every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death.
- • Electrical distribution or lighting equipment is involved in one-third of Christmas tree fires.
- • The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve.
- • One-fifth of decoration fires in homes occur because the decoration is placed too close to a heat source.
- • In 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees.
- • Over a five-year period, there were an average of 780 Christmas tree fires per year.
- • The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve.
- • Half of home fire deaths resulted from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- • The peak months for home candle fires are December, January, and November.
- • In 2018, Christmas tree fires resulted in three civilian deaths.
- • One-quarter of Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
- • Nearly 1,170 reported candle fires occur in December.
- • More than half of the home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
- • One-fifth of decoration fires were started by candles.
Tis the season for twinkling lights, cozy candles, and festive decorations—but beware the hidden dangers that lurk in the midst of all that holiday cheer. Did you know that Christmas tree fires alone result in a whopping $16.2 million in property damage each year? With one in every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires ending in tragedy, and electrical mishaps accounting for a third of these blazes, its clear that our beloved holiday traditions can sometimes have fiery consequences. Stay tuned as we delve into the shocking statistics behind Christmas tree fires and how to keep your celebrations merry and bright, without the added spark of danger.
1 Christmas tree fires
- Over a five-year period, there were an average of 780 Christmas tree fires per year.
- Between 2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.
- In 2018, Christmas tree fires caused an average of $10 million in direct property damage per year.
- In 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.
- Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they do occur, they are much more likely to be deadly than most other fires.
- In 2018, Christmas tree fires resulted in an average of three deaths per year.
- Rectangular-shaped areas made up 36% of reported home Christmas tree fires.
- In 2018, Christmas tree fires caused an estimated 8 civilian injuries per year.
- Christmas trees caused fires and deaths have declined significantly over the past few decades.
- Christmas tree fires are relatively uncommon, but when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.
Interpretation
While it may seem like a Christmas tree is a festive addition to your home, the statistics reveal a darker side to this holiday tradition. With an average of 780 Christmas tree fires per year, it's clear that the yuletide cheer can quickly turn into a flaming nightmare. Despite their relative rarity, these tree-related blazes have been known to cause an average of $10 million in property damage annually, along with an average of three deaths. So, before you deck the halls, remember that when it comes to Christmas tree fires, the threat is real, and Santa won't be the only one checking for smoke this holiday season.
2 Home candle fires
- The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve.
- The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve.
- The peak months for home candle fires are December, January, and November.
- In 2018, Christmas tree fires resulted in three civilian deaths.
- More than half of the home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
- One-fifth of decoration fires were started by candles.
- One-third of home candle fires started in bedrooms.
- On average, there are 23 home candle fires reported each day.
- Candles started more than one-third (37%) of home decoration fires.
- Over half (51%) of home candle fires start when something that can burn is too close to the candle.
- The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve.
- More than half (54%) of home candle fires are started when something that can burn is too close to the candle.
Interpretation
'Tis the season for twinkling lights and cozy candles, but let's not forget that holiday cheer can turn hazardous if we're not careful. From the festive flicker of Christmas Eve to the countdown of New Year's Day, these top three days seem to be prime for candle-related mishaps. With more than half of home candle fires ignited by combustible materials too near, it's clear that a little holiday spirit mixed with a lot of caution could save more than just marshmallows roasting on an open fire. So, as we deck the halls with boughs of holly, let's also deck the safety rules and ensure that our celebrations don't go up in flames.
3 Decoration fires
- Holiday decorations were first ignited in an annual average of 800 home structure fires, 16 deaths, and $14.7 million in direct property damage.
- In 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 770 home structure fires involving Christmas decorations per year.
- Half (51%) of decoration fires start because the decoration is too close to a heat source.
Interpretation
'Tis the season to be jolly, but not reckless! As we deck the halls with boughs of holly and twinkle lights aplenty, let us not forget the sobering truth behind the Christmas Tree Fire statistics. With holiday decorations igniting over 800 home structure fires annually, resulting in tragic losses and financial strain, it's clear that a little too much festive fervor can go up in smoke. Remember, a merry Christmas is a safe Christmas - keep the mistletoe away from the heat and ensure your celebrations shine bright without turning into a fiery ordeal.
4 Cooking-related fires
- Cooking is the leading cause of Christmas Day home fires and was responsible for nearly three times as many fires as the average day.
Interpretation
If there's one thing cooking on Christmas Day is guaranteed to serve up, it's not just a delicious feast, but also a fiery catastrophe waiting to happen. With cooking taking the lead as the top culprit for home fires on the festive day, it seems we're all at risk of turning our merry celebrations into a flaming disaster. So, while you're basting that turkey or sizzling those veggies, remember that the only thing you want to set on fire is the yule log in the fireplace, not your entire holiday spirit. Stay safe, folks, and may your Christmas tree remain the only thing that's lit this season.
5 Electrical equipment fires
- Electrical distribution or lighting equipment is involved in one-third of Christmas tree fires.
- One-quarter of Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
- Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in 13% of Christmas tree fires.
- Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in two out of five home Christmas Tree fires.
Interpretation
Seems like the Grinch isn't the only one causing havoc during the holiday season! With electrical distribution or lighting equipment being the main suspects in a Christmas tree fire spree, it's clear that these festive decorations are not to be trifled with. One might say, Santa might need to start checking his list twice for faulty wiring and electrical failures before placing those twinkling lights on a potentially hazardous tree. Remember, it's all fun and games until the tinsel starts burning!
Category 1 Christmas tree fires
- In the U.S., Christmas tree fires are not unusual, but they are generally more severe than other types of fires.
Interpretation
While it may seem like Christmas tree fires are just a flashy holiday phenomenon, the truth is they pack a fiery punch that rivals the dramatic flair of the season. These festive blazes are not to be taken lightly, as they tend to burn brighter and hotter than your run-of-the-mill fires. So, as you deck the halls with boughs of holly and twinkle lights, be sure to keep a close eye on that tree, because it just might turn your cozy living room into a yuletide inferno in the blink of an eye.
Category 1: Christmas tree fires
- 38% of Christmas tree fires occur in December and 29% in January.
Interpretation
'Tis the season to be jolly, but beware the fiery folly! With 38% of Christmas tree fires sparking up in December and another 29% igniting in January, it seems the holiday cheer isn't the only thing spreading like wildfire. So as you deck the halls and trim the tree, remember to keep a watchful eye – because a blazing yuletide can quickly turn frosty when it comes to fire safety.
Christmas tree fires
- On average, Christmas tree fires result in $16.2 million in property damage each year.
- One in every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death.
- In 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees.
- Almost three of every five (57%) Christmas tree fires occurred because the tree was too close to a heat source such as a candle, equipment, or fireplace.
Interpretation
'Tis the season to be jolly, but not to play with fire, as statistics show that Christmas tree fires can turn festive cheer into costly despair. With $16.2 million in property damage annually, these fiery fiascos are no holiday miracle. Beware the evergreen menace, for one in 32 incidents escalates tragically, leaving a somber reminder that safety is the best ornament one can hang on their tree. Remember, folks, don't let your Christmas spirit go up in flames just because your tree got too close to the yule log - Santa doesn't need a firetruck escort on his sleigh ride!
Decoration fires
- One-fifth of decoration fires in homes occur because the decoration is placed too close to a heat source.
Interpretation
Ah, the classic case of decking the halls, only to watch them go up in flames. It seems that in the battle of fire versus festive cheer, fire often takes the seasonal crown. With one-fifth of decoration fires in homes ignited by the simple act of getting too cozy with a heat source, it appears that our merry intentions may sometimes be too hot to handle. So, as we trim our trees and light our candles this holiday season, let us not forget the ultimate party pooper lurking nearby - the fiery wrath of a Christmas tree gone rogue. Stay jolly, but stay vigilant, folks.
Home candle fires
- Half of home fire deaths resulted from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Nearly 1,170 reported candle fires occur in December.
- Candles caused 3% of home fires but resulted in 5% of home fire deaths.
Interpretation
These holiday statistics may make you think twice about leaving those Christmas lights on all night or getting cozy with a candle by the tree. After all, nothing ruins the festive spirit quite like being rudely awakened by the sound of a fire alarm. So, whether you're a night owl or an early bird, remember that safety always trumps style when it comes to holiday decorations. Keep those flames in check and have yourself a merry (and incident-free) Christmas!
