The festive season is a time of joy, celebration and tradition – and for many households across the UK, that includes decorating a Christmas tree. Whether it’s a fresh-cut fir or a reusable artificial tree, the centrepiece of your Christmas décor can unfortunately also pose a serious fire risk if not handled correctly.

So, how common are Christmas tree fires in the UK, and what can you do to prevent one in your home or business premises this winter?

How Common Are Christmas Tree Fires in the UK?

While the UK does not experience as many Christmas tree-related fires as some other countries (such as the United States), the risk is still very real – particularly in domestic environments. According to data from fire and rescue services across England, the Christmas period sees a marked increase in domestic fires, many of which are linked to seasonal decorations, candles, and overloaded electrical sockets.

Christmas tree fires may not be the most frequent cause, but when they do occur, they can be especially dangerous. Real trees – when allowed to dry out – can ignite quickly and burn rapidly, giving off intense heat and potentially spreading to other decorations, furnishings and even structural parts of a property within seconds.

The Main Causes of Christmas Tree Fires

Most Christmas tree fires stem from a few preventable factors. These include:

• Faulty or overloaded fairy lights

• Dry trees becoming extremely flammable

• Open flames such as candles placed too close to decorations

• Heaters or fireplaces too near the tree

• Poorly maintained or frayed electrical wires

• Extension cables used incorrectly or beyond their rated load

Real vs Artificial Trees: Which Is Safer?

There’s often debate about whether real trees are more dangerous than artificial ones. The truth is, both carry risks if not properly cared for.

• Real Trees: When freshly cut and properly watered, real trees are not excessively flammable. However, once they begin to dry out (which can happen quickly indoors, especially near radiators), they become a significant fire hazard.

• Artificial Trees: Many are made from PVC or similar materials that can melt or burn under extreme heat. Some are marketed as “flame-resistant” – but this does not mean fireproof. The risk increases if the tree is adorned with lights that generate heat or are faulty.

Safety Tips to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires

Here are some practical steps you can take to enjoy a safe and festive season:

1. Choose Your Tree Wisely

• If opting for a real tree, select one that is fresh – look for vibrant green needles that don’t fall off easily.

• For artificial trees, check they are CE marked and ideally labelled flame-retardant.

2. Water Real Trees Regularly

• A well-watered tree is far less likely to catch fire. Ensure your tree stand holds enough water and top it up daily.

3. Be Smart With Fairy Lights

• Always use lights that conform to British Standards (BS EN 60598 or BS EN 60598-2-20).

• Check lights for frayed wires, damaged bulbs or loose connections before use.

• Don’t overload sockets or plug too many lights into one extension lead.

4. Switch Off When Not in Use

• Turn off fairy lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

• Consider using a timer plug to automate this if you’re likely to forget.

5. Keep Heat Sources Away

• Position your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, candles and any heat-generating appliances.

6. Never Use Real Candles on the Tree

• It might look traditional, but placing open flames near branches and decorations is highly dangerous.

7. Dispose of the Tree Promptly

• Don’t leave a dry tree lingering in your home for weeks after Christmas. Most councils offer kerbside recycling in early January – make use of it.

Fire Safety Equipment for Peace of Mind

No matter how careful you are, having the right fire safety equipment in place can make a crucial difference in the event of an emergency:

• Smoke Alarms: Make sure you have working smoke detectors installed and tested weekly.

• Fire Extinguishers: A dry powder or water extinguisher in the home or workplace can be invaluable if a fire starts.

• Fire Blankets: Particularly useful in kitchens but also effective for smothering smaller decoration fires.

• PAT Testing: In commercial premises, ensure all electrical decorations have been tested annually.

If you’re unsure whether your fire extinguishers are up to date or need servicing, our team at Fire Extinguisher Maintenance UK can assist you with full maintenance, testing and compliance checks.

A Final Word: Enjoy Christmas, Safely

Christmas should be a time of celebration, not catastrophe. By taking just a few extra precautions, you can dramatically reduce the risk of fire in your home or business this festive season. Remember – most Christmas tree fires are preventable with a bit of vigilance, common sense, and preparation.

If you’re a business owner, block manager or facilities operator, don’t leave fire safety to chance. Speak to us today to arrange your annual fire extinguisher inspection or to review your premises for festive fire safety risks.

Wishing you a safe, warm, and merry Christmas from all of us at Fire Extinguisher Maintenance UK.