CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY
The Bucks County Fire Marshal’s Office wishes you a joyous and happy
Christmas season. We hope that during this busy time of year, you will take the time to
consider maintaining a safe home. It is especially important to consider safe practices
when selecting and placing a tree in your home. Although Christmas tree fires are not
common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. With that in mind we
offer the following recommendations:
Picking the Tree:
•
Choose a tree that is as fresh as possible. Tap the base on the ground. Grab the
top and pull your hand along it slowly. Needles should not fall off. Bend a needle.
If it breaks before it is bent half way, the tree is too dry. If you use an artificial
tree, use one with a flame retardant label.
Placing the Tree:
•
•
•
•
Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. This will
help with absorption.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like
fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the Tree:
•
•
•
•
•
Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50
screw-in bulbs together. For number of LED strands to string together, refer to
manufacturer’s instruction.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.