To: Local Fire Marshals, Deputies, and Inspectors
From: Office of the State Fire Marshal
Topic: OSFM 2025 Holiday Safety Bulletin
Holiday Season Safety Guidance
As the holiday season approaches, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) reminds all fire officials of the safety precautions and code requirements related to natural and artificial decorative vegetation (e.g., Christmas trees and wreaths) in buildings. Please share this information widely using any available communication channels.
Code Requirements Overview
Applicable Codes:
- 2022 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code (CSFSC)
- 2022 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Code (CSFPC)
Both codes address Combustible Decorative Vegetation and include a shared table outlining where natural trees are permitted. Key sections include:
- CSFSC Part III, Section 806
- CSFSC Part IV, Section 10.3.9
- CSFPC Section 12.6.9
These sections provide nearly identical guidance on the preparation, placement, and maintenance of natural cut trees.
Residential Exemption
These code provisions do not apply to one- or two-family dwellings, per CT General Statutes §29-292.
Natural Tree Requirements
- Do not place trees in corridors, exit paths, other means of egress or near heat-producing systems (CSFPC Sections 12.6.9.3 and 12.6.9.4).
- Trees must be:
- Placed in a water-filled stand (CSFPC Sections 12.6.9.6.1 through 12.6.9.6.3)
- Removed immediately if dry (CSFPC Section 12.6.9.6.4)
Occupancy Restrictions
Use the referenced table in CSFPC Section 12.6.9.1.1(AMD) to determine where cut or balled trees are allowed.
- No natural cut or balled trees are permitted in Detention and Correctional. These trees are also prohibited in Health Care Occupancies unless fire-retardant treatments are applied or one of the other options under CSFPC Section 20.4.2.5.6 is used.
- Balled Trees are permitted in all other occupancies
- Cut Trees are permitted with automatic sprinkler systems in the following occupancies:
- Business
- Daycare
- Industrial
- Lodging and Rooming
- Mercantile
- Storage
- Within the dwelling units of apartment buildings
- Cut Trees are allowed in the following occupancies without sprinkler systems:
- Industrial
- Storage
- Within the dwelling units of apartment buildings
- Cut trees in dwelling units that are associated with supervisory personnel in dormitory occupancies are permitted subject to the approval of the AHJ.
Open Flame Prohibition
- Candles and open flames are strictly prohibited on or near natural or artificial vegetation (CSFPC Section 12.6.9.8).
Artificial Tree Requirements
If an artificial tree or other combustible decorative vegetation is to be used it:
- Shall be flame-retardant or flame-resistant (CSFPC Section 12.6.9.5.1)
- Shall be labeled or certified by the manufacturer (CSFPC Section 12.6.9.5.2)
Electrical Safety
- Only use listed and labeled decorative lighting (per the 2020 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) portion of the Connecticut State Building Code (CSBC) Article 590.5 and CSFPC 12.6.9.7). This includes pre-lit artificial trees and vegetation.
- Turn off all lighting when unattended, especially in residential settings.
Low-Voltage Holiday Lighting
- Governed by the 2020 NFPA 70 NEC portion of the CSBC Articles 590.3(B) and 411
- This applies to temporary outdoor lighting displays
Educational Resources
- Fire Safe CT (CT.gov)
- Christmas tree fire: watered tree vs. dry tree (NIST)
- Holiday Fire Safety Tips (NFPA)
Here is a Holiday Decorating Safety Checklist to share with your community:
Holiday decorating
Be careful with holiday decorations.
- Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect. - Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday Entertaining
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Before Leaving the House or Going to Bed:
- Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Natural Christmas Tree Safety Checklist
- Fresh Cut: Saw off the trunk above the original cut before placing it in water.
- Stable Stand: Use a sturdy base; guy wires may be needed for large trees.
- Water Daily: Keep water above the cut; trees may use up to 1.5 gallons/day.
- Monitor Freshness: Remove trees that dry out or shed excessively.
- Safe Placement: Keep away from heat sources (heaters, stoves, TVs, etc.).
- No Candles: Never use candles on or near trees.
- Electrical Safety:
- Replace worn cords and plugs
- Avoid overloading outlets
- Use tested and labeled lighting
- Turn off lights when unattended
