(MIAMI, December 16, 2013) –Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) along with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue hosted a Christmas tree safety demo to showcase the hazards these trees can pose.

The demonstration took place at the MDFR Training Facility in Doral. For the demo, firefighters showed the flammability of a dried out Christmas tree versus a properly watered one.
• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas tree fires are not common but when they occur they are likely to be serious. From 2005 – 2009, US fire departments responded to an average of 240 home structure fires that began with Christmas Trees; 59 percent these fires occurred in December and 24 percent occurred in January.
• These fires caused an average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries, and $16.7 million in direct property damage annually.
• On average, one of every 18 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.
For more information, please contact the MDFR Public Affairs Bureau at (786) 331-5200.  Additional information can also be found on the National Fire Protection Association website:  www.nfpa.org.