![Christmas Tree Fire Safety In Utica/Rome](https://townsquare.media/site/42/files/2015/12/Capture1.png?w=980&q=75)
Christmas Tree Fire Safety In Utica/Rome
Before electricity, people used candles to illuminate their Christmas tree. We wouldn't dream of doing that today and have a dramatic video that demonstrates how fast a fire can start in a dry and neglected Christmas tree versus one that is properly maintained.
Real Christmas trees need to be 100% hydrated and watered daily, so it's less of a fire hazard. 38% of home Christmas tree fires are caused by an electrical short or a heat source too close to a dry, neglected tree.
The National Fire Protection Association asks you to follow these safety tips:
- When picking your real Christmas tree, make sure it has fresh green needles that don't fall off when touched.
- Cut about 2 inches off the base of the trunk before putting it in the tree stand.
- Place your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.
- Don't block an exit with your Christmas tree.
- Add water daily to the tree stand.
- 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.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off the Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
This scary video shows how quickly a Christmas tree is engulfed in fire in under 60 seconds as opposed to a tree watered regularly.
![96.9 WOUR logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/WOURFM.png?w=100)
Enter your number to get our free mobile app
CHECK THEM OUT: 100 years of Christmas toys, gifts and fads
More From 96.9 WOUR
![That Old Ceramic Christmas Tree? It Could Be Worth Hundreds Today](http://townsquare.media/site/40/files/2020/12/winter.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How Stupid! Man Illegally Cuts Christmas Tree in Front of NY Forest Ranger](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2022/12/attachment-CHRISTMAS-TREE-MOSS-LAKE-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![World Famous 2022 Rockefeller Tree Chosen to Light Up Christmas](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2022/11/attachment-SAMPLE.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Take a Magical Stroll Through Colored Trees on CNY Christmas Tree Farm](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2020/11/Cream-Polaroid-Heart-Shaped-Photo-Collage.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Correct Time For New Yorkers To Take Down Their Christmas Tree](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2021/12/attachment-RS29306_sad-santa-thinkstock.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New York City Tree Fully Lit and Festive After Being Set on Fire](http://townsquare.media/site/40/files/2021/12/attachment-Copy-of-State-Fair-Newbie-Tips-32.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Don’t Have a Christmas Trees Yet? Get a Free One in Utica and Rome](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2021/12/attachment-264112385_5267261949966857_4245955909148833318_n-e1638780702451.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What’s the Proper Way to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree in NY State?](http://townsquare.media/site/937/files/2023/12/attachment-old-christmas-tree.jpg?w=980&q=75)