Christmas Trees: the Hidden Fire Hazard - Turn lights off at night and keep away from heat sources
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A woman who lost six family members in a devastating house fire is speaking out this holiday season, warning others about the dangers of Christmas tree fires and urging vigilance with holiday decorations ,as reported by several media outlets.
The fire, which occurred in Wilmington, NC (US) several years ago, claimed the lives of six of her loved ones, including children. Investigators reportedly determined that a Christmas tree was the source of the fire. The woman, who survived, has since dedicated herself to raising awareness about fire safety during the holidays.
She now shares her story publicly, reminding families that Christmas trees—especially when dry—can ignite quickly and spread fire throughout a home in seconds.
“It only takes a spark,” she said, emphasizing that what happened to her family could happen to anyone.
Her warning comes as fire departments nationwide caution residents to water live trees daily, keep them away from heat sources, and ensure lights and electrical cords are in good condition.
Her message applies to both real and artificial Christmas trees, underscoring that all households face risks if precautions are ignored.
Fire officials urge residents to switch off tree lights before bedtime or when leaving home.
Live trees should be watered daily to prevent them from drying out, and all trees—real or artificial—should be kept at least three feet from heat sources. Authorities also recommend removing trees within 30 days of purchase, ideally no later than January 2.
Illustration Credit: Executed by MS Co-Pilot from a prompt by Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF. (The image is for illustrational purposed and is not necessarily showing realistic fire development characteristics.)
Experts stress the importance of using holiday lights certified by a recognized testing laboratory.
Damaged cords or loose bulb connections should be replaced immediately, and homeowners should follow manufacturer guidelines on how many strands can be safely linked together. Lights are often rated for indoor or outdoor use only, and officials caution against mixing them improperly.
Candles remain another seasonal hazard. Safety advice includes extinguishing candles before leaving a room and keeping them away from curtains, flammable materials, pets, and children.
Authorities also emphasize the need for smoke alarms on every level of a home, tested regularly. Working alarms and sprinkler systems can increase survival chances in a fire by nearly 88 percent.
Further guidance is available from Common Voices, the National Fire Protection Association, and the National Fire Sprinkler Association, all of which provide detailed tips for keeping homes safe during the holidays.
Read more:
https://www.nbcwashington.com/video/news/local/woman-speaks-about-family-killed…
https://6abc.com/post/woman-lost-6-family-members-delaware-fire-warns-christmas…
https://fireadvocates.org/fire-safety-advocacy-group-launches-christmas-tree-safety-campaign-2/