250 Christmas tree fires kill 14 each year


Protective Relay Training - Basic

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$699
Coupon Price:
$599
Reserve Your Seat Today
One of every 18 reported U.S. home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, with about half caused by electrical problems, U.S. fire prevention experts say.

Officials at the National Fire Prevention Association say from 2003-2007, an average of 250 Christmas tree fires annually caused 14 deaths and almost $14 million in direct property damage.

Electrical problems were factors in 45 percent of home Christmas tree structure fires. A heat source was too close to the Christmas tree in 26 percent of the fires, while 23 percent of home Christmas tree fires involved decorative lights, and candles started 14 percent of home Christmas tree structure fires.

To prevent holiday fires the American Industrial Hygiene Association advises to:

• Check all tree lights, even if they're new, for frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections before hanging them on your tree.

• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.

• Keep lit candles away from windows, doors, cut greenery or any combustibles. Never leave children or pets unattended in a room with lit candles.

• Before using lights outdoors, check that they are certified for outdoor use. Use hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks, to hold lights.

• Hang stockings with care and never in front of a lit fireplace.

Related News

DOE Announces $28M Award for Wind Energy

DOE Wind Energy Funding backs 13 R&D projects advancing offshore wind, distributed energy, and utility-scale…
View more

4 ways the energy crisis hits U.S. electricity, gas, EVs

U.S. Energy Crunch disrupts fuel and power markets, driving natural gas price spikes, coal resurgence,…
View more

Strong Winds Knock Out Power Across Miami Valley

Miami Valley Windstorm Power Outages disrupted thousands as 60 mph gusts toppled trees, downed power…
View more

KHNP is being considered for Bulgarian Nuclear Power Plant Project

KHNP Shortlisted for Belene Nuclear Power Plant, named by the Bulgarian Energy Ministry alongside Rosatom…
View more

Nearly 600 Hong Kong families still without electricity after power supply cut by Typhoon Mangkhut

Hong Kong Typhoon Mangkhut Power Outages strain households with blackouts, electricity disruption, and humid heat,…
View more

Survivors of deadly tornadoes may go weeks without heat, water, electricity, Kentucky officials say

Kentucky Tornado Recovery details Mayfield damage, death toll, power outages, boil-water advisories, shelter operations, and…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified