On December 12, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico and the Town Board joined the Chief Fire Marshal Chris Mehrman for a dramatic demonstration to illustrate the destructive fire hazard associated with the improper care of live Christmas trees. Utilizing a “burn pod” furnished to simulate a living room, members of the Town’s Division of Fire Prevention first attempted to ignite a fresh Christmas tree branch, which did not burn. They demonstrated how a dry, unwatered tree quickly ignited in a ball of fire, causing damage to the gift-wrapped items in the “burn pod.” Mehrman also demonstrated the proper use of Christmas tree lights in use during the holidays.
“It took only seconds for this fire to develop and cause severe damage in the burn pod,” Panico said. “This was a frightening, first-hand look at what could happen to a home if Christmas trees are not sufficiently watered. I urge everyone to follow all the fire safety precautions and have a safe and happy holiday season.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 160 home structure fires per year that began with the ignition of Christmas trees in 2016-2020. These fires caused an annual average of two civilian deaths, eleven civilian injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage.
- Home fires in which Christmas trees were first ignited have followed a distinct downward trend over the past 20 years, ranging from a high of 280 fires in 2007 to a low of 130 fires in both 2016 and 2017, with 180 fires in 2020.
- As expected, Christmas tree fires primarily occur in December (41% of total) or January (33%).
- Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of five (44%) home Christmas tree fires, followed by heating equipment (13% of fires).
The NFPA offers these recommendations to prevent a fire:
- If using a real tree, select one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut one to two inches from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
To learn more about how to have a fire-safe holiday season, go to the National Fire Protection Association website at www.nfpa.org.