Massachusetts Rules for Real and Fake Christmas Trees

As pumpkin spice and Halloween ghouls depart and give way to pine trees, Christmas lights and chestnuts roasting by the open fire, keep in mind that there are fire safety rules and regulations in place to keep your holiday season from becoming a nightmare.

Patch.com says, "Although Christmas tree fires are no longer common when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious."

According to the site, "In the U.S., on average, one of every 40 residential (indoor) Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home structure fires."

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems, and a heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every six.

Patch.com has Christmas tree and outdoor lighting safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday season.

Harvard University says, "The revised Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR 1.00) took effect January 1, 2015." Harvard says, "The revised code adopts, in large part, the National Fire Prevention Association's (NFPA) Model Fire Code (NFPA 1-2012 Edition) with Massachusetts amendments."

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According to Harvard, "Fundamental requirements under the Code requires that every existing building and structure be constructed, arranged, equipped and maintained and operated in accordance with the Code to provide a reasonable level of life safety, property protection, and public welfare from the actual and potential hazards created by fire, explosion, and other hazardous conditions."

Harvard presents a fact sheet outlining provisions for naturally cut Christmas trees and fire retardance for artificial vegetation (fake trees).

The NFPA says, "U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 790 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees." The agency says, "These fires caused an annual average of one civilian fire death, 26 civilian fire injuries, and $13 million in direct property damage."

"Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires," according to the NFPA.