Christmas trees and other holiday decorations are a tradition for many, but neglect and misuse can lead to deadly consequences. A dry tree can burn quicker than a newspaper.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that home fires cause an average of 2,51K deaths (seven people die in U.S. home fires per day) and 12,3K injuries per year.
Home fires accounted for 93% of structure fire deaths and 87% of structure fire injuries. Just 4% of home fires start in the living room, family room, or den, but these incidents cause 24% of fire deaths and 10% of fire injuries.
Defective products, unattended heating equipment, or electrical malfunctions can contribute to serious injuries and wrongful death.
- More than two of five home fires start in the kitchen. These incidents cause two out of five fire injuries. Besides, 17% of all fire deaths result from kitchen fires.
- Only 7% of reported home fires start in the bedroom, but these fires cause almost 23% of fire deaths and 20% of fire injuries.
- Fires confined to chimneys or flues account for 5% of all reported home fires. These fires cause very few casualties.
How to Prevent Christmas Tree or Holiday Decoration Fire Injuries
The NFPA recommends paying attention to the following causes of holiday fire injuries:
- String lights that have loose connections, cracked lamps, or frayed cords.
- Multiple extension cords that are too long and can get tangled.
- Lights and cords that don't have UL approval.
- Lights that aren't turned off when you go out and before you turn in for the night.
- Outdoor light connectors that are close to metal rain gutters and placed on the ground.
- Candles that are used to light or decorate a tree.
- Decorating trees that are not freshly cut.
- Trees that are not placed at least three feet away from any heat source.
- Trees that become dry and are not removed from the home after Christmas.
- Christmas tree branches or wrapping paper burned in the fireplace.
- Candles that are not kept at least 12 inches away from anything that could burn.
Contact a Miami Home Fire Injury Attorney
Christmas trees aren't the only item you need to be careful with. Candles start two out of every five home decoration-related fires that can cause burn injuries or can even be deadly.
The most dangerous days for home candle fire injuries are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Immediate preservation of evidence and investigation is an essential element in home fire injury cases.
At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we will take the steps necessary to ensure a favorable outcome for your case. Contact us about any serious injury caused by a home, apartment, or mobile home fire.