NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — More than one-third of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January, making post-holiday cleanup a critical safety issue as decorations come down and routines return to normal. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, about 35 percent of Christmas tree fires happen after the holidays, when trees have been indoors long enough to dry out and become highly flammable.
Christmas tree fires are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they tend to be serious. Between 2020 and 2024, an estimated 143 home structure fires per year started with Christmas trees, resulting in seven civilian deaths, 13 injuries, and roughly $15 million in direct property damage. The risk rises as trees lose moisture — a dry tree can ignite and spread fire much faster than a well-watered one.
Fire officials recommend removing live Christmas trees promptly after the holidays and using community recycling programs when available. Trees should not be stored in garages or left near structures. When taking down decorations, electrical light strings should be inspected for damage, unplugged by gripping the plug rather than the cord, and stored in dry locations away from children and pets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Prompt removal of Christmas trees and careful handling of decorations reduce winter fire risk during an already high-demand season for emergency services.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
·
Brent Graves, auctioneer and mentor, shares his journey supporting youth in agriculture, livestock competitions, and how he is turning junior livestock auctions into a classroom for youth in agriculture.
January 13, 2026 02:43 PM
·
This simple but powerful tool from Nutrien enables farmers to keep track of highly personalized input costs and expenses involved in running their operation.
January 12, 2026 09:00 AM
How the Public Trust Doctrine Threatens Agricultural Property Rights
January 10, 2026 07:00 PM
·
Reducing mental stress and focusing on controllable actions can improve decision-making in high-pressure environments, according to Hollywood actor and former Calif Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
January 09, 2026 03:59 PM
·
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
January 08, 2026 02:45 PM
·
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
January 08, 2026 08:00 AM
·
North Dakota CO₂ Storage Law Struck Down
January 07, 2026 03:03 PM
·
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
January 07, 2026 02:16 PM
·
