Christmas Tree Fire Safety Demonstration

UMD Fire Protection Engineering's Annual Christmas Tree Fire Safety Demonstration consists of a series of live fire experiments on both natural and artificial Christmas trees to show the burning behavior of typical Christmas tree fires. The experiments are meant to demonstrate to the public the impact of moisture content on ignition, fire growth rate and peak burning behavior – proof that it is vital to maintain well-hydrated trees.

A dry Douglas Fir burns in less than a minute. Credit: Lee Gillenwater for UMD.

2023 PROGRAM

Date/time: The 2023 program is now complete! Christmas Tree Fire Safety Demos will take place on Tuesday, December 19, as per the schedule below. Follow this link to watch a Youtube video of last year's event.

Location: 3229 JM Patterson Building

8:30 - UMD crew arrival
9:00 - Media arrival/set-up
9:30 - Small scale experiments on branches of (a) artificial trees, (b) well-watered natural trees, and (c) dry/un-watered natural trees
9:50 - Full-scale test on well-water (natural) tree
10:15 - Full-scale test on dry/un-watered (natural) tree
10:30 - 11:00 - Media departure
12:00 - HRR Prediction Competition

TO ALL VISITORS:

All visitors on campus are expected to abide by the UMD campus health and safety guidelines:

1. Check for Symptoms. Prior to coming to campus, check whether you have any of the symptoms listed below

Temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher
Chills
New onset cough
Trouble breathing
Sore throat
New or unusual headache
New loss of taste or smell
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle or body aches
Excessive fatigue
Diarrhea

2. Do not come to campus if:

You have any of the symptoms listed above (unless they are related to a long-term health condition).
You are caring for someone with COVID-19 or possible COVID-19 infection and you have not been fully vaccinated.
You are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test because you had symptoms or were exposed.
If you suspect you are sick in any way, even with mild illness.

Interested in the Heat Release Rate (HRR) Competition?

Students, faculty, researchers, and engineers from fire safety programs across the globe are encouraged to participate. To get started, visit the HRR Competition website and follow the instructions on how to register.

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