Tips for preventing Christmas tree fires this holiday season
Up next
Author

1

  • Make sure you choose a tree with green needles. If the needles look brown, that means the tree is dry and likely more flammable. Also give the tree a good shake — if it loses a lot of needles, it’s likely too dry. Trees don’t burst into flames on their own, but when they are dry, it’s a lot easier for them to catch fire.
  • Real trees need to be kept moist and watered at all times. Make sure the water isn’t too cold, which could shock the tree. Add nutrients to the water, like a fully dissolved tablespoon of sugar, to keep the tree healthy.
  • Try using a humidifier to create extra humidity in the room where your tree is located to prevent the tree and its needles from drying out.
  • Keep the tree several feet away from any fireplace or other open flames like a candle.
  • Check the lights you use to decorate your tree. If they look worn out or have frayed wires or cracked lamps, it’s time to get new lights.
  • When you’re not at home, turn off and unplug your Christmas lights. That also goes for when you’re sleeping.

    • Of the 25 to 30 million trees sold in North America every year, about 93% get recycled, according to AccuWeather.

    This post was originally published in 2020.

    Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
    You May Also Like
    Strong Santa Ana winds remain threat to Southern California as firefighters bat down new wildfires

    Continued risk from powerful Santa Ana winds in Southern California as firefighters work to control fresh wildfires

    LOS ANGELES — The Santa Ana winds will persist in Southern California…
    Planned Parenthood Former President Cecile Richards Passes Away Hours Before Trump Sworn In

    Former President of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, Dies Shortly Before Trump Inauguration

    Last Updated on January 22, 2025 Former Planned Parenthood president Cecil Richards,…
    'The View' Spew: Race-Baiters Hostin, Navarro Rip Black Stars Who Performed at Trump Inaugural Events

    Disgusting Behavior on 'The View': Hostin and Navarro Criticize Black Celebrities for Performing at Trump’s Inauguration festivity

    Tuesday’s episode provided a perfect example. Navarro and Hostin were critical of…
    Taiwan Air Force officer killed after being ‘inhaled’ by fighter jet’s engine

    Fighter jet engine tragically causes death of Taiwan Air Force officer

    A Taiwanese Air Force officer died after being sucked into the engine…
    Fans call out Blake Lively for 'mean girl' comments to Justin Baldoni while filming It Ends With Us - as debate rages over who was in the wrong

    Criticism Towards Blake Lively for Alleged ‘Mean Girl’ Remarks Towards Justin Baldoni During It Ends With Us Filming Sparks Controversy Over Blame

    It’s a legal battle which has set social media alight as people…
    Trump-Hating Leftists Descended On Washington Mall Ahead Of Inauguration

    Anti-Trump individuals gathered at the Washington Mall before the Inauguration.

    Last Updated on January 21, 2025 A massive crowd of socialist, liberal,…
    18 states suing Trump to stop the executive order blocking birthright citizenship

    Lawsuits Filed by 18 States Against Trump Over Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

    On Tuesday, attorneys general from 18 states filed a lawsuit to stop…
    Tiffany Henyard news: Thornton Township supervisor skips meeting; Stephanie Wiedeman voted in as interim trustee

    Tiffany Henyard Update: Thornton Township Supervisor Misses Meeting; Stephanie Wiedeman Appointed as Temporary Trustee

    In SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (WLS), the Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard was…
    Russia sounds off on Trump’s threat to retake the Panama Canal

    Russia’s Response to Trump’s Plan to Retake the Panama Canal

    Russia’s foreign ministry is urging President Donald Trump to uphold the existing…
    Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo issues humiliating apology to Caitlin Clark after doubting she's a real Chiefs fan

    “Apology from Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo to Caitlin Clark for questioning her loyalty as a Chiefs fan”

    ESPN’s Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo has been forced to issue a humiliating…
    Who is Mariann Budde? Washington Bishop who shockingly confronted Trump at National Cathedral prayer service

    Washington Bishop Mariann Budde who boldly challenged Trump at National Cathedral prayer event

    A bishop from the episcopal church, known for his long-standing disapproval of…
    Chicago weather forecast today: Classes canceled at Park Ridge Maine South High School after pipe bursts in cold; snow expected

    Today’s Chicago weather update: Park Ridge Maine South High School cancels classes due to a burst pipe in the cold; snow in the forecast.

    CHICAGO (WLS) — The frigid weather in the Chicago area is causing…