Officials Warn Dry Christmas Trees Pose Fire Hazards

The Madison Fire Department is asking residents to check the condition of their Christmas trees every day because dry Christmas trees can pose a fire hazard.

Officials said people should make sure that the tree stand is filled with water and remove a tree if the needles are dry or falling off the branches. The Madison Fire Department said a dry Christmas tree can ignite easily, burns very quickly and produces lots of heat.

The warning was prompted by a fire at an East Side house fire on Saturday. Although the fire that caused $20,000 damage to a home at 801 Valley Rd. did not involve the Christmas tree, the tree was very dry and close to the flames, fire officials said.

Firefighters said they were surprised that the tree did not ignite from the nearby flames and heat. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire officials said people should remove a Christmas tree when it begins dropping needles. They said dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

The Madison Streets Division will begin collecting Christmas trees for recycling on Jan. 3. For collection rules and schedules, go to www.cityofmadison.com/streets/Seasonal/holidayTree.cfm.