December 30, 2015
Some people may want to continue the festive spirit and leave up their ever-drying pines long after the last of the gifts have been opened. It’s good to remember, however, that the longer the Christmas tree remains in the home, the greater the fire risk becomes.
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Timely Disposal of Christmas Trees and Safe Removal of Lights May Save Lives
With the holiday now behind us, gifts have been removed from under the pine, the tree is swiftly losing its coat of green, and the needles are piling up on the floor, which means it’s time to remove the tree from your home. “Christmas trees are very flammable,” said Lorraine Carli, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Trees dry out the longer they remain in the home, and can be consumed by fire in a matter of seconds.” All trees can burn, though dry ones can be engulfed by flames significantly more quickly.