Crime & Safety

Christmas Tree and Outdoor Holiday Lights Safety Tips

State Fire Marshal's Office offers way to stay safe this holiday season.

By Liz Taurasi

With the holiday season in full swing, State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan has issued Christmas tree and outdoor light safety tips.

“The best way to prevent a Christmas tree fire is to water it well every day, use electric lights safely, and dispose of it soon after the holiday,” Coan said in a statement.

While Christmas tree fires are not common, Coan says when they do occur they are serious.

Find out what's happening in Wellesleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On average one of every 40 home structure Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home structure fires. There were no Christmas tree fires in Massachusetts last year.

One in every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. One in every six are caused by a heat source being too close to the tree.

Find out what's happening in Wellesleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers these safety tips for the holiday season. 

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

  • Selecting a Tree: Buy a cut tree as fresh as possible. Tap the butt on the ground and grab a branch near the top and pull your hand along it slowly. Needles should not fall off. If you bend a needle and it breaks before bending in half, it’s too dry! If you use an artificial tree, select one with a flame retardant label.

  • Caring for the Tree: Make a fresh cut an inch or two off the bottom before placing it in the stand. This will help with absorption. Water a live tree every day.

  • Placing the Tree: Place your tree in a non-tip style with wide feet, using extra wires if needed to keep it steady. Keep doorways and exits clear. Place your tree and decorations away from heaters, fireplaces, candles, and other sources of heat.

  • Decorating the Tree: Purchase electric holiday lights that are listed by an approved testing agency and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Consider switching to new LED lights that are cooler and use less electricity. Make sure the bulbs themselves are not touching the tree, curtains, wrapped gifts, and tree skirts. Never use lighted candles as decorations. Turn off the lights when leaving the house or going to bed for the night. If you use an artificial tree, do not use electric lights on metal trees.

  • Disposing of the Tree: Remove your tree soon after the holidays and take advantage of your community’s pick-up day is available.

  • This video from the U.S. Fire Administration website from the National Institute of Standards and Training shows how a dry Christmas tree can act like a blowtorch in your living room. There is also a side-by-side video showing a dry tree on frie and a well-watered on on fire. The well-watered tree takes much longer to progress

    Outdoor Decorations

    • Be sure to use only lights rated for outdoor use.

    • Securely anchor outdoor lights and decorations against the wind and storms with insulated holders or hooks.

    • Do not drive nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation; this can cause a fire.

    • All outdoor electrical decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). You can buy portable units for outdoor use, or you can have them permanently installed by an electrician.

    • Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life. Consider replacing old outdoor lights with newer LED lights that are ‘greener’ and cooler.

    For more information on fire safety, contact your local fire department or the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 1-877-9 NO FIRE or on-line at www.state.ma.us/dfs.


    Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

    We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

    To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.