Christmas tree fires

Report: "Christmas Tree Fires” 
Author: Richard Campbell
Issued: December 2022

Report

Christmas Tree Fires

This report provides estimates of the causes and circumstances of home structure fires that began with the ignition of Christmas trees. Trend data are also presented. Previously published descriptions of Christmas tree fires are also included to show how these fires can happen.

Download the report.

Tables

These tables support the Home Christmas Tree Fires report.

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Report highlights

• U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 160 home¹structure fires per year that began with the ignition of Christmas trees in 2016-2020. These fires caused an annual average of 2 civilian deaths, 11 civilian injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage. 
• Home fires in which Christmas trees were first ignited have followed a distinct downward trend over the past 20 years, ranging from a high of 280 fires in 2007 to a low of 130 fires in both 2016 and 2017, with 180 fires in 2020.
• As expected, Christmas tree fires primarily occur in December (41% of total) or January (33%).
• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of five (44%) home Christmas tree fires, followed by heating equipment (13% of fires).