FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The Fresno Fire Dept. and PG&E respond to thousands of home fires every year, including many during the holiday season.
Nationwide, fire departments are called to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees, with home fires and electrical accidents typically increasing during winter months.
Holiday hazards can be prevented by watering the Christmas tree daily, not overloading electrical outlets, and keeping decorations away from heating sources and candles.
On Wednesday, Fresno Fire conducted a live-fire Christmas tree safety demonstration, showing how a dry, improperly maintained tree can instantly turn the inside of a home into an inferno. Not only did the fire burn the mock house but it also melted the GoPro cameras set up inside.
Before:
After:
Tessa the K-9 Unit was also at the demo. She goes in to sniff ignitable liquids post fire to help Fresno Fire determine origin of fire.
Click below to listen to the story by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
HOME CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES FACT SHEET
U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 210 home1 structure fires per year that began with Christmas trees in 2010-2014. These fires caused an annual average of six civilian deaths, 16 civilian injuries, and $16.2 million in direct property damage.
On average, one of every 34 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires.
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are much more likely to be deadly than most other fires.
In one-quarter (26%) of the Christmas tree fires and 80% of the deaths, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree.
Electrical failures or malfunctions were also factors in one-quarter (26%) of Christmas tree fires.
Leading causes of Christmas tree fires
- Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in one-third (35%) of home Christmas tree fires.
- 18% of home Christmas tree fires involved decorative lights.
- 11% Wiring or related equipment
- 4% Cords or plugs were involved
- 23% were intentional, more than half of these intentional fires occurred in January.
- 15% Heating equipment was involved
- 10% Started by someone playing with fire.
- 8% Candles started tree structure fires.
