Reducing the Fire Hazard of Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Trees

As the holiday season approaches, consumers and businesses alike will decide whether to decorate using live, natural Christmas trees or pre-lit artificial ones. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics, Christmas trees of all types present a safety risk during the holiday season. There is a strong, well-known safety message that a live tree must be kept well-watered to reduce the risk of a fire. Unfortunately, the fire safety message is not as clear for a pre-lit artificial tree. Understanding key safety concerns for pre-lit artificial trees is equally important because these trees can also be a significant source of fuel if ignited.

Early safety research regarding pre-lit artificial Christmas trees

UL’s safety certification program for pre-lit artificial Christmas trees is an important tool that allows manufacturers and retailers to provide consumers with clear, objective information on the safety of their products. Certifying pre-lit artificial trees to the requirements of UL 2358 and UL 588 ultimately helps consumers choose safer products and increases overall safety.