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The National Fire Protection Association’ statistics indicate that nearly 40 percent of home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January. Although these fires are not common, they are much more likely to be serious when they do occur.

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Timely Disposal of Christmas Trees and Safe Removal of Lights May Save Lives

With the holiday now behind us, gifts have been removed from under the pine, the tree is swiftly losing its coat of green, and the needles are piling up on the floor, which means it’s time to remove the tree from your home. “Christmas trees are very flammable,” said Lorraine Carli, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Trees dry out the longer they remain in the home, and can be consumed by fire in a matter of seconds.” All trees can burn, though dry ones can be engulfed by flames significantly more quickly.