As the holiday season comes to a close, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential fire hazards that may have been introduced during the festivities. In both homes and commercial buildings, combustible decorations, festive lights, and Christmas trees can pose a significant risk of fire if not properly maintained or removed. To ensure the safety of your property and loved ones, it is essential to properly dispose of any holiday decorations and take steps to mitigate potential fire hazards.

These additional furnishings and decorations, especially dry and unmaintained Christmas trees and other vegetation, can contribute significantly to the risk of a fire starting and spreading quickly due to the increased fuel load in a space.

In fact, a report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has found that 33% of US home fires involving Christmas trees happen in January, on average, between 2016 and 2020. These fires resulted in two civilian deaths, 11 civilian injuries and $12m in direct property damage. Dried-out trees can quickly become engulfed in flames, which is why the NFPA advises people to remove their trees promptly after the holiday season.