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Dried Christmas Trees Are Like Hazardous Vegetation!
There is a Interior Red Flag Fire Danger which will increase every day as we head towards Christmas day. And despite the weather, if it rains, snows, or gets colder, the danger will increase. Educating our communities about the danger and prevention is our responsibility.
Over half of those with live trees neglect to water them. We’ve had several rounds of dry Santa Ana winds which have zapped Christmas trees of moisture while on the lots since Thanksgiving. The winds have been cold winds so many have been using their home heaters. This adds to the red flag fire danger within homes.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued guidance to help reduce the risk of home fires caused by Christmas trees during the holiday season.
According to NFPA data, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 155 Christmas tree-related home structure fires annually. These fires resulted in four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage each year.
The NFPA notes that fresh Christmas trees pose a higher fire risk than artificial ones, especially as they dry out over time. A dried-out tree can ignite and burn more rapidly than a well-watered one.
Christmas tree fires burn like a wind driven Santa Ana wind https://binged.it/4iEiTF6
The NFPA emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to avoid these potential ignition sources.
Move away from light and heat. A heat vent or sunny window can dry out your tree. Move it to a dark corner if it’s getting too much sun or heat and causing it to drink more water than you can keep on hand.
Increase humidity. If your tree is being watered, but the needles are getting crispy, consider running a humidifier. This will add moisture into the air and help prevent it drying out.
Use LED lights. Most lights these days are LED light and they don’t heat up like old fashioned lights do. That heat can burn the branches! LED lights are better for live trees and you especially want these if your tree is getting dry.
Look for Needle Loss. Are green needles easily falling off with just a light touch? This points to them being dried out or dead already. Brittle browned needles will detach with the slightest disturbance.
Check Branch Flexibility. Try bending different branches on the tree. Healthy supple branches will flex while dried out brittle branches will snap. Listen for cracking sounds which signal dead limbs.
Disposing of a Christmas Tree. Get to know when is the right time to take down a Christmas tree and then here are a few ways you can get rid of a Christmas tree.
- Contact your waste management company to see if they will pick up old Christmas trees.
- Check with your local yard waste management department to see if they’ll take the tree.
- Find a tree collecting organization.
Do Not burn Christmas trees in your fireplace. Do not store them inside, or outside of the house. Consider mulching or recycling your tree. Check with your fire department on how to properly dispose of them.
Photo and Video Credit: NFPA
Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Wildfire Preparedness Day which is May 4th . This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He also is Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com