Guidance for Use of Natural-Cut Trees - SPS 314.10 (3) General Fire Safety
Combustible Vegetation [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14]
Combustible vegetation, including natural cut Christmas trees, shall be in accordance with Section 10.14. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.1]
Christmas tree placement within buildings shall comply with Table 10.14.1.1. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.1.1] (See page 2, for table 10.14.1.1)
In any occupancy, limited quantities of combustible vegetation shall be permitted where the AHJ determines that adequate safeguards are provided based on the quantity and nature of the combustible vegetation. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.2]
Vegetation and Christmas trees shall not obstruct corridors, exit ways, or other means of egress. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.4]
Only listed electrical lights and wiring shall be used on natural or artificial combustible vegetation, natural or artificial Christmas trees, and other similar decorations. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.5]
Open flames such as from candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters, and gas-fired heaters shall not be located on or near combustible vegetation, Christmas trees, or other similar combustible materials. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.7]
Combustible vegetation and natural cut Christmas trees shall not be located near heating vents or other fixed or portable heating devices that could cause it to dry out prematurely or to be ignited. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.8]
Provisions for Natural Cut Trees [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.9]
Where a natural cut tree is permitted {see Table 10.14.1.1 on page 2 for allowable occupancies}, the bottom end of the trunk shall be cut off with a straight fresh cut at least 1⁄2 in (13 mm) above the end prior to placing the tree in a stand to allow the tree to absorb water. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.9.1]
The tree shall be placed in a suitable stand with water. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.9.2]
The water level shall be maintained above the fresh cut and checked at least once daily. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.9.3]
The tree shall be removed from the building immediately upon evidence of dryness. [NFPA 1 (2012) 10.14.9.4*]
A method to check for dryness is to grasp a tree branch with a reasonably firm pressure and pull your hand to you, allowing the branch to slip through your grasp. If the needles fall off readily, the tree does not have adequate moisture content and should be removed. [NFPA 1 (2012) A.10.14.9.4]
Occupancy | No Trees Permitted | Cut Tree Permitted with Automatic Sprinkler Systems | Cut Tree Permitted without Automatic Sprinkler Systems | Balled Tree Permitted |
Ambulatory Healthcare |
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| X |
Apartment Buildings |
| Within Unit | Within Unit | X |
Assembly | X * |
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Board and Care | X |
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Business |
| X |
| X |
Daycare |
| X |
| X |
Detention and Correctional | X |
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Dormitories | X |
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Educational | X |
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Healthcare |
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| X |
Hotels | X |
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Industrial |
| X | X | X |
Lodging and Rooming |
|
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| X |
Mercantile |
| X |
| X |
One and Two Family |
| X | X | X |
Storage |
| X | X | X |
*Note: ss.101.14 (2) (b) ... the seasonal placement of a Christmas tree in the rotunda of the state capitol building or in a church is presumed not to be a fire hazard.
*SPS 314.10 (3) CHRISTMAS TREES. (a) Pursuant to s. 101.02 (7e), Stats., no city, village, or town may enact or enforce an ordinance related to fire safety that prohibits the seasonal placement of a Christmas tree in a church. (Administrative Code)
*101.02 (7e) (a) Notwithstanding sub. (7) (a), no county, city, village, or town may enact or enforce an ordinance related to fire safety that prohibits the seasonal placement of a Christmas tree in the rotunda of the state capitol building or in a church. (Wis. Stats.)
NFPA 1.4.1 Equivalencies. Nothing in the Code is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed in this code, provided technical documentation is provided to the AHJ to demonstrate equivalency and the system, method, or device is approved for the intended purpose.