As the holiday season wraps up, many homes still have one dangerous reminder: the Christmas tree. While it may look festive, a dry tree is a serious fire hazard. In just a matter of seconds, a dry Christmas tree can go from perfectly fine to fully engulfed in flames.
Even though Christmas has come and gone, it’s important to keep watering your tree every day as long as it’s still up. A dry tree poses a huge fire risk to your home.
But how do you know when it’s time to let go of the holiday decorations due to these risks?
Tommy Nash, an assistant fire marshal in Roanoke, says there are easy ways to assess if your tree is still in good condition and less of a fire hazard.
“If your tree is good and hydrated, it’s going to be a deep green, needles will stay on a little better,” Nash said.
But if your Christmas tree is drying out…
“It’ll be a little lighter of a color and the needles are much easier to come off,” Nash added.
A dry tree doesn’t just shed needles; it also becomes an accident waiting to happen. Nash explains that a prime source of Christmas tree fires is often due to external heat sources and electrical issues.
“I think it’s people keeping heaters near them, you know using extension cords and multi-plug adapters, and that shorting out is causing the most concern with it. And then obviously it being dry. If it’s dry, it goes up a lot quicker,” Nash said.
Nash also warns that the lights on your tree can contribute to the danger.
“And unplug the lights, if it’s starting to dry out, unplug or remove the lights, ensure that there is nothing that produces heat around your tree and get it out of your house,” Nash advised.
If you live in Roanoke City or County, Nash recommends leaving your tree on the curb on your designated trash day for safe disposal.