COLUMBUS, Ohio — Now that all the presents have been opened and the holiday season is over, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal says it’s time to discard your Christmas tree.

 “The longer trees remain in homes, the higher the fire risk,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon. “Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, garage, or placed outside against the house.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, a third of home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January as the trees begin to dry out and become fire hazards.160 home structure fires began with Christmas trees from 2015 to 2019, resulting in two civilian deaths, 12 civilian injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage.

Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Also, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends recycling your tree as a wildlife habitat.

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. See how quickly they can turn deadly. Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. 

The State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio’s chief regulatory agency. The Department is focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.