Searches for ‘do Christmas lights cause fires’ have risen by 5,000%, as millions of Christmas trees and decorations have gone up across the country. To help keep homes across the country safe this festive season, London house clearance experts Clear It Waste have revealed the mistakes that could make your real or artificial Christmas tree a fire hazard, as well as the dangers that Christmas lights can pose.
Standing trees too close to heat sources:
Christmas trees are flammable objects, so if yours is too near to a heat source such as a heater, radiator, or a fireplace, this poses a significant fire hazard. Keep your tree a minimum of three feet away from any heat sources (just under a metre). Heat will cause real trees to dry out rapidly, which can make them into a bigger fire hazard. For artificial trees, excessive heat can result in the plastic materials igniting, melting, or burning.
Old or faulty decorations and lights:
Using old lights that are faulty in any way creates a fire hazard. If your Christmas lights are frayed, the wires could spark as cracked insulation on older lights may cause exposed wires to touch. Decorations with hot bulbs are also a key hazard and should not be used, as this intense heat can melt plastic, tinsel, or even dry the tree needles leading to ignition. If you think your lights are old or damaged, always look to replace them or simply avoid using them.
Overloading sockets:
Overloading electrical sockets is a common mistake, but can be made even more so around the festive season. When decorating, ensure to only use one extension cord per socket outlet and never go above the rated load. Extension cords should also never be run under rugs or mats.
These can act as a form of insulation, trapping the heat generated by electrical current in the cable, causing the cable’s insulation to melt, potentially leading to sparks or a fire. If your extension cord is damaged, be sure to appropriately dispose of this and replace it.
Dirty trees and decorations:
Dust on artificial trees and decorations can actually increase flammability. An accumulation of dust and debris on your tree can be highly combustible. Despite many artificial trees being made using flame-retardant materials, they are not necessarily fireproof, and the dust can create a very easy fuel source. To avoid this, make sure to clean the tree before use and again before storing it away after Christmas.
Dehydrated trees:
Improper watering of a real Christmas tree can be a seemingly harmless act, but can create a fire hazard. A dry tree that lacks water becomes extremely flammable. Make sure to monitor the water level daily and keep the stand full. It is also advised to take your tree down in good time after Christmas, as it will dry out and become increasingly flammable the longer you leave it up.
Experts offer key advice on Christmas tree disposal
Data shows that around 160,000 tonnes of Christmas trees are still dumped each January. Be sure to check disposal options for your tree with your local council. This is the most common way, as almost all councils provide ways to recycle real Christmas trees, whether it is via a drop-off point, a local recycling centre, or in some cases a curbside collection.
Always check your local council’s website as the specifics and options can vary by borough. Josh Clarke, spokesperson from Clear It Waste has provided some additional, vital advice:
“Whether you have a real tree that needs to be disposed of or an artificial tree that is looking worse for wear, correct disposal is vital both for safety and environmental reasons. Many people don’t realise that it is essential to completely clear the tree of any decorations so that it is completely bare. Even the smallest plastics left on branches of real trees can contaminate the disposal process. If possible, break the tree down into sections as this can make the disposal process easier (this can be simple for artificial trees that often come in sections).
“For artificial trees, consider donating it to a charity shop if it is still in good condition, or a community centre, so that it gets a longer life. But when a fake tree is no longer of use or beyond repair, it can often be taken to your nearest household waste and recycling centre. Artificial trees are made from mixed materials meaning they can’t go in household recycling bins, but waste sites can ensure they’re broken down and processed in the most appropriate way. You can also use waste disposal services but be sure to check that they hold a full waste carriers’ licence.
“Another important factor to note that many do not consider, is that if your artificial tree contains fibre-optic lighting it should be treated as electronic waste (WEEE). Putting your tree into the right waste process helps ensure that components like wiring and LED lights are recovered instead of landfilled, and are disposed of in the most appropriate and environmentally friendly way.”
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