Between 1992 and 1996, around one-tenth of one percent of all residential fires involved a Christmas Tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

However, Christmas Trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other household items:

• Newspapers and magazines--13 times more likely
• Boxes and bags--10 times more likely
• Curtains or drapes--9 times more likely

Each year, approximately 33 million Real Christmas Trees are bought in the United States. According to the NFPA data, of all the Real Christmas Trees enjoyed during the holiday season, fewer than one-one thousandth of a percent (0.001%) are involved in the residential fire!

Keeping the holidays safe from fire is an important responsibility for every family. According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), these simple steps can help guard against the rare, but serious, event of a holiday fire:

• Do not use lights, decorations or appliances with worn electrical cords. Use only UL approved electrical decoration and extension cords.
• Place the Christmas Tree well away from heat registers, space heaters, fire places, wood stoves, televisions, computer monitors and other heat sources.
• Unplug tree lights and other decorations when out of the room or sleeping.

Don't let the very slim chance of a fire involving your Christmas Tree keep you from enjoying the life, fragrance and tradition that Real Trees bring to your holiday celebration. A traditional Christmas begins with a Real Tree.