Maintaining Your Christmas Tree
By: Bejoy Joseph
Updated: December 4, 2012
WHAG - Local fire officials want to stress caution as families start to put up their Christmas trees this year. They say many house fires during the holiday season are caused by improper care of Christmas trees.
However, fire officials say they are several steps you can take to prevent holiday fires. They say one tip is to make sure you water your tree on a daily basis, otherwise your tree could dry up and ignite quickly.
Officials say you should keep your tree three feet away from any heat source such as vents, fireplaces or radiators. They say it is also important to discard any old Christmas lights to avoid a fire from starting.
"There has been many injuries reported and some fatalities sadly enough when Christmas trees do catch on fire," says Bruce Bouch of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. "It's important that we maintain the items we put on them."
Officials say never use lit candles to decorate the tree. They stress to always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed, and don't overload your power circuits.
Once the holiday season is over, it's important to discard your tree.
However, fire officials say they are several steps you can take to prevent holiday fires. They say one tip is to make sure you water your tree on a daily basis, otherwise your tree could dry up and ignite quickly.
Officials say you should keep your tree three feet away from any heat source such as vents, fireplaces or radiators. They say it is also important to discard any old Christmas lights to avoid a fire from starting.
"There has been many injuries reported and some fatalities sadly enough when Christmas trees do catch on fire," says Bruce Bouch of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. "It's important that we maintain the items we put on them."
Officials say never use lit candles to decorate the tree. They stress to always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed, and don't overload your power circuits.
Once the holiday season is over, it's important to discard your tree.
