NFPA encourages prompt disposal of Christmas trees

QUINCY, Mass. – Dragging your heels on taking down the Christmas tree? Here’s a fact that may motivate you: nearly 40 percent of U.S. home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January. The National Fire Protection Association is strongly encouraging people to remove Christmas trees from their homes promptly after the holiday season.

“Christmas trees are combustible items that become increasingly flammable as they continue to dry out,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “The longer you keep a Christmas tree in your home, the more of a fire hazard it b...