Expert warns of common Christmas tree mistake that can cause house fires

Experts have warned that certain things can pose higher risks of house fires over the Christmas period – including not hydrating your tree appropriately, and having cables near flammable items

Right now, people up and down the country will be transforming their homes into magical winter wonderlands – it’s officially to get out the tinsel, the fairy lights, and the star for the top of the tree. But despite how lovely your home might feel, there’s an increased risk of fire during the Christmas period.

This is because candles and open flames are considered as cosy and homely, but they pose one of the highest risks to the safety of your home. With this in mind, Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance have shared their top safety tips to avoid fires this Yuletide.

Around 85 percent of UK adults have a Christmas tree up in their household each year according to Scribbler’s 2022 Christmas tree statistics. For those choosing real trees, it’s so important to keep them hydrated – a dry Christmas tree is incredibly flammable.

Trim your trunk as you would with fresh flowers, and place your tree in a bucket of water when you first get it. Then, remember to check the water level every couple of days to avoid it drying out. This will make your tree less of a risk.

You should ensure that your space isn’t over-cluttered with things, especially flammable materials such as paper banners or tinsel as this poses a fire hazard.

Also, you may have more cables around your house so you can light up your decorations, but never run the cables underneath flammable items such as rugs or carpets.

Wrapping paper should be disposed of on Christmas morning too, as it’s incredibly flammable.

Obviously a huge fire risk is open flames, and whilst candles are aesthetically pleasing, especially at Christmas, they need to be kept out of reach of children and pets, and placed on fireproof materials such as stone.

Choosing to use battery-powered candles around your home can mitigate fire risk from open flame, also meaning Christmas trees and plants won’t catch fire.

How have you decorated your home this year? Let us know in the comments.