BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Your holiday season could go up in flames without consistent Christmas tree care.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there’s an average 210 Christmas tree fires annually. They’re especially common when people forget to water their trees.
Fire experts say a dry Christmas tree is a ticking time bomb.
“No matter how much it is or how close you are to Christmas, having a dry Christmas tree in your house as akin to having about 1.5 to 2 gallons of gasoline that’s exposed,” said Terry Francis of the South Burlington Fire Department.
To keep your tree healthy, Francis recommends cutting the base at an angle so it drinks more water – at least a quart a day.
You should also keep it away from heat sources, check for fraying light wires, make sure your fire alarms work and keep exits clear.
A simple way to tell if your tree is too dry is the branch test. Run your hand along a branch of needles, and if a lot fall off, it’s time to take it to a local drop off center.