•One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
•Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 40 reported home structure Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home structure fires.
•A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every six of Christmas tree fires.
•More than half (56 percent) of home candle fires occur when something that can catch on fire is too close to the candle.
•December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11 percent of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4 percent the rest of the year.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
Links from the U.S. Fire Administration:
Watch this short video to learn how you can prevent fires in your home this holiday season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfuSO6cMPYM
Watch what happens when fire touches a dry tree & a well-watered tree http://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/holiday.html