An important message from Minnesota Fire Marshal Jim Smith if you have a real Christmas tree. He says it’s time to take it down.
“Over time, even though you’re watering it, it will eventually dry out,” Smith says. “And once a Christmas tree dries out, the possibility it becomes a fire hazard elevates very, very quickly.”
Smith says the month with the highest number of Christmas tree-related fires is January because people tend to keep them too long.
“Less than half of the Christmas tree fires happen in December,” says Smith. “37% happen in January and 21% happen in February, which means people are holding on to them way too long.”
According to Smith, they've seen a decrease in fires and deaths.
"Hopefully a good sign that people are listening to the messages we're sending out about safety around the holiday time," Smith says. "That just makes me happy, that more and more people are enjoying the holiday season than those that are experiencing the tragedies that come along with a fire."
Your recycling service will typically take your tree for free, but make sure you have it outside before the pickup deadline passes.
Related
