Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 6, 2026) — Today is National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day, and the American Red Cross of Utah warns that dried-out Christmas trees left decorated with lights and ornaments can pose a serious home fire risk.
Once the holidays are over, live Christmas trees can dry out quickly, becoming highly flammable. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly one-third of Christmas tree fires occur in January, when trees are most likely to be dry and easily ignited. While these fires are relatively uncommon, they can spread rapidly and cause significant damage in a matter of minutes.
“We see firsthand how quickly home fires can devastate lives,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Safely taking down and disposing of Christmas trees is a small step that can make a meaningful difference in protecting families across Utah.”
Proper Christmas Tree Disposal
Properly disposing of a Christmas tree is an important step in reducing fire risk once the holidays are over. Each year, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of about 150 Christmas tree fires, resulting in five deaths and over $15 million in property damage.
Remove all decorations from the Christmas tree, including lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand, and do not store it in a garage or place it against the side of a home, where it can still pose a fire risk. Instead, check with local waste management or public works departments for tree recycling options, such as curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations. Christmas trees should never be burned in fireplaces or wood stoves, as the oils in the wood can cause dangerous flare-ups and chimney fires.
Supporting Utahns Affected by Home Fires
Home fires are the most common disaster in the U.S., and the Red Cross of Utah is committed to helping families prepare and recover. In 2025 alone, the Red Cross responded to over 150 home fires across Utah, assisting almost 750 people with emotional support, financial aid and recovery resources.
To further reduce the risk of home fires, the Red Cross offers free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education through its Sound the Alarm program. Residents can schedule an appointment at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to receive free smoke alarms, learn about fire prevention and create personalized escape plans.
In 2025, Red Cross volunteers in Utah installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms. In addition to fire prevention efforts, local volunteers supported veterans and military families, helped host hundreds of blood drives, provided preparedness education and deployed nationwide to assist communities affected by disasters.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
