COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WUSA9) -- It's a holiday nightmare, but happens more than 200 times each year. Christmas tree fires are common before and after the holiday because they are not properly maintained, so fire prevention officials are sending out an urgent reminder.
The Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland housed several fire demonstrations that showed what could happen if you do not keep your natural tree watered every day or heat sources away from it.
"Anything that might be hot or able to ignite that tree should be at least three feet away," said Isaac Leventon, who works in department. Leventon conducted the demonstrations.
The first scenario involved a hydrated natural tree that caught fire. The tree burned slowly, emitting thick black gray smoke because of the moisture. It took almost two minutes to fully burn out.
The second demonstration was the most intense because it involved a dry natural tree, which is the most dangerous. The tree was engulfed in flames in less than 30 seconds.
The third demonstration, which involved a hydrated tree with a sprinkler system, was more controlled. The water contained the fire and eventually put it out. It is a necessary measure that can save lives.
"Refill the base at the bottom," said Leventon, who stressed the importance of dumping a gallon of water in the base of your Christmas tree daily. When your tree is dry, crunchy or starts to discolor, get rid of it.
Christmas tree fires are five times more deadly than the average house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an annual average of 230 home structure fires that begin with Christmas trees. Each year, these fires cause, on average, six civilian deaths, 22 civilian injuries, and $18.3 million in direct property damages. One of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires.
"Once they start you can't put them out in a reasonable way other than having a sprinkler there," said Professor Jim Milke of the Fire Protection Engineering Department.
He said is it important to turn Christmas tree lights off when no one was is home. Space heaters should be kept away from the artificial and natural trees.
He also said most tree fires happen after Christmas because people forget to take care of them.
A bad electrical plug and dry tree took the lives of four children and their grandparents in Annapolis almost two years ago.
