The concern for fire safety is always a significant during the holiday season. With the assortment of lights, candles, trees and various decorations used to celebrate the holidays, extra caution is always wise. But what are the underlying causes of holiday fires, and what roll does your fresh Christmas tree play?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, overloaded outlets and faulty wires are the most common causes of holiday fires in residences. These fires can be equally as dangerous with fresh trees as with artificial trees. According to their data, of all residential fires, Christmas Trees, both real and artificial, are ignited in less than 1/10 of one percent (0.1%) of all home fires. At no time can a fresh Christmas tree start or cause a fire; they do not spontaneously combust.

Consider the following facts:

• In 1998 more than 32 million fresh Christmas Trees were used in the U.S. Of these, only 0.00093% were ignited in home fires.
• Christmas Trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other common household items including:
  
  • newspapers and magazines -- 13 times more likely
    
  • boxes or bags -- 10 times more likely
    
  • curtains or drapes -- 9 times more likely