<a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/../interactives/infographic.aspx?infographic=data/holidayFires.svg&amp;react=click&amp;orientation=vertical#.U_dt72Mek-0" class="NetInfographicButton"> <img alt="avoid holiday fires infographic" src="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/../interactives/infographics/snap/img/holidayFires280x280.jpg"> View the infographic <img alt="View infographic" src="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/../interactives/infographics/snap/img/enlargeButton.png"> </a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<div class="nR_HL_igDesc">
<h2>Avoid holiday fires</h2>
Tips for trees, candles and lights. 
Trees 
160 home fires involving Christmas trees occur each year. 
To avoid fire: 
<ul>
 <li>Choose a fresh tree. Look for green needles that are hard to pull from branches and don't break when bent. The trunk should be sticky. </li>
 <li>Take the tree down after the holiday. Don't burn it in a fireplace or stove. </li>
 <li>Keep the tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heat can dry out a tree and make it more flammable. </li>
 <li>Water the tree daily. </li>
</ul>
Candles 
7,400 home fires involving candles are reported each year (December is the peak month for candle fires). 
To avoid fire: 
<ul>
 <li>Place candles where they can't be knocked down or blown over. </li>
 <li>Consider using battery-operated candles instead of real ones. </li>
 <li>Keep candles away from flammable decorations (including trees). </li>
 <li>Extinguish candles when you leave the room. </li>
 <li>Use nonflammable candle holders. </li>
</ul>
Lights 
790 home fires involving decorations occur each year. 
To avoid fire: 
<ul>
 <li>Check new and old lights for broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Dispose of damaged lights. </li>
 <li>Make sure outdoor lights are certified for that use. </li>
 <li>Choose decoration that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant. </li>
 <li>Turn lights off before you go to bed or leave the house.</li>
</ul>
</div>
Reviewed 8/31/2023
Sources:
<ul>
 <li>Consumer Product Safety Commission. &ldquo;Furniture, Furnishings and Decorations.&rdquo; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Furniture-Furnishings-and-Decorations">https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Furniture-Furnishings-and-Decorations</a>.
 </li>
 <li>National Fire Protection Association. &ldquo;Candles.&rdquo; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Candles">https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Candles</a>.
 </li>
 <li>National Fire Protection Association. &ldquo;Winter Holidays.&rdquo; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays">https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays</a>.</li>
</ul>