With Christmas just a few weeks away, many households and businesses will be putting up the traditional Christmas tree with its decorations, before switching on the lights. It’s a magical sight and one which we all enjoy, but safety is paramount and we would like to take a minute or two to highlight being safe this Christmas with tree lights.

We have already featured an article regarding buying quality, reputable electrical items following the devastating fire one UK householder suffered after purchasing an aftermarket iPhone charger that exploded. However we would like to specifically reiterate the importance buying quality, CE Marked Christmas tree lights purchased from a reputable store. If your lights are old or worn, please replace them with new lights, proudly displaying your tree lights that have worked for 40 years may seem like a great anecdote, but they are potentially lethal!

Christmas tress often have presents placed around them, accelerating a fire should one break out from faulty lights, artificial tress are often made from plastic which melts and produces hazardous smoke as well as fire.

But the most significant danger comes from real trees. Lush green, pine scented trees quickly dry out in our centrally heated homes and work places, whilst they may still look green, within a couple of weeks they have dried significantly but are still filled with sap. The result is a highly combustible tree with the sap acting as an accelerant, producing an intense fire that spreads rapidly.

The video posted on this page, courtesy of Which? explains the dangers posed by faulty lights and visually demonstrates the fierce nature of a tree fire – please take a moment to view it.

In summary:

• Do not continue to use lights that are old and fatigued
• Keep trees away from sources of ignition (i.e. candles, open fires)
• Do not store presents under trees as these act as further combustible material
• Ensure a suitable and fully operating fire extinguisher is near by
• Always keep real trees watered and do not allow them to dry significantly
• But most of all… Be bright with Christmas lights – Always buy CE marked tree lights from a reputable store

Happy Christmas and stay safe!