QUINCY, Mass. — Nearly 40 percent of U.S. home fires that start with Christmas trees occur in January, the National Fire Protection Association says.

That organization strongly encourages their removal promptly after the holiday season.

“Christmas trees are combustible items that become increasingly flammable as they continue to dry out,” Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy, said in a press release.

“The longer you keep a Christmas tree in your home, the more of a fire hazard it becomes.”

 National Fire Protection statistics show that Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they do occur, they’re much more likely to be serious. 

“On annual average, one of every 34 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to one death per 142 total reported home structure fires,” the release said.

“All Christmas trees can burn, but a dried-out tree can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds,” Carli said.

“Sadly, over the past couple of years, we’ve seen incidents where Christmas tree fires have resulted in deadly consequences for multiple family members, including young children.”

The Fire Protection Association suggests turning in the tree to the local community’s recycling program, if possible.

Here are some tips from the association for safely removing lights and decorations and storing them properly:

• Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Pulling on the cord can damage its wire and insulation, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.

• Inspect light strings for damage and throw out any sets with loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.

• Wrap each set of lights around a piece of cardboard or put them in individual plastic bags.

• Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets.

The Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration is promoting a winter safety campaign called “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires.” 

Find it at: http://tinyurl.com/j3vsvnw.