Sean | November 30, 2022

Each year, Christmas tree fires cause an average of $10 million in property damage and kill or injure approximately 16 people. In fact, they’re one of the leading causes of home fires during the holiday season. But what are the most common causes of these fires, and how can you prevent them? 

The Fire Dangers of Real Christmas Trees 

Every year in the United States, fire departments respond to approximately 210 fires caused by Christmas trees. The most common cause of Christmas tree fires is placing the tree too close to a heat source, like a fireplace, radiator, candle, or space heater. This can dry out the tree’s needles, making it more susceptible to catching fire and essentially making it a source of fuel for a fire. And once a fire gets going, it can spread quickly. 

A dried-out Christmas tree can ignite and become completely engulfed in flames in just seconds. Make sure to give your tree plenty of space to stay hydrated and avoid this dangerous situation.

Another danger posed by real Christmas trees is that they are often treated with flame-retardant chemicals. However, these chemicals are not always effective and can actually make the tree more flammable. Moreover, the chemicals can be released into the air when the tree is heated, posing a health hazard to you and your family.

The Fire Dangers of Fake Christmas Trees

While fake Christmas trees may not be as flammable as real ones, they still pose a serious fire hazard. One of the biggest dangers posed by fake Christmas trees is that they are often made from highly flammable materials such as PVC plastic or Styrofoam. 

Also, fake trees are often stored in garages or storage areas where they can come into contact with other flammable materials, such as gasoline or paint thinners which can increase the risk of a Christmas tree fire.

Additionally, many people don’t realize that their holiday lights – on real or fake Christmas trees – could also be a fire hazard. If you have any lights that are damaged or defective, get rid of them right away. Always make sure to unplug your lights before going to bed or leaving the house – even if they’re turned off. A short circuit could easily start a fire while you’re away.

With a little bit of knowledge and some simple safety precautions, you can greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a Christmas tree fire. 

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Christmas Tree Fire

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and celebrating. However, if you or a loved one have been injured in a Christmas tree fire, the holiday season will be more stressful than ever. 

Christmas tree fires are not as common as other types of fires, but they can be just as dangerous. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been injured in a fire started by a Christmas tree.

Get To Safety

If you’ve been injured in a fire, the first thing you need to do is get to safety. This may mean leaving the house or building entirely. Once you are out of immediate danger, call 911 and wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a fire. Some injuries—such as smoke inhalation—may not be immediately apparent but can still be very serious. 

In addition, the stress of being involved in a fire can often mask the pain of injuries sustained in the blaze. By seeing a doctor right away, you can ensure that all your injuries are treated and that you get the care you need.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm – Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys

If you believe that your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence—for example, improperly installed wiring or keeping the tree too close to a fireplace —you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney will be able to review your case and help you determine if you have a valid claim against the responsible party. 

An experienced attorney can help people who have been injured in all types of accidents, including fires started by Christmas trees. Contact a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys and schedule a free consultation today.

Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015