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.
