If you choose to put up a fresh cut tree in your home there are some extra precautions that need to be taken while enjoying your tree. Castle Country Radio was able to sit down with Price City Fire Chief Fitzgerald Petersen who wants to make sure that this holiday season is safe for all residents in the Carbon County area.

“Gosh that should be our focus every year, that tree is my big concern as a Fire Chief. They are a wonderful, beautiful tradition and they are a hazard. We talked earlier but the majority of the fires in the United States are one room and we were able to end it, and take care of it. But if it’s a Christmas tree fire, because trees don’t start fires but they sustain fires, that we’re in trouble. That’s a very challenging fire, and there are, I think 200 fires a year in the United States and 32 deaths related annually to a Christmas tree fire. So they are very dangerous, once they are on fire. If you do a couple simple things, not as dangerous, and that is why we are talking,” said Chief Peterson. Whether your tree is artificial or fresh it’s important to not place your tree near heat sources such as fireplaces, heat vents, radiators or candles.

It’s very important to take care of a fresh tree probably while displaying it in your home. “If it has absorbed all the water that you have added, add it again. Eventually, you will catch up to where there will be a water in there for a while, but until that time, keep adding. Particularly, when you first bring it in to your home, that’s when its going to be the driest. You don’t know where that tree has been, how long it’s been cut, and how long it’s been drying out. It’s imperative that you begin watering it immediately,” said Chief Peterson. A general rule of thumb is that a six-foot tree needs about a gallon of water every two days. Another important idea is to go with LED lights as they are less likely to start a fire due to their reduced heat output.

Often people think of the holidays and like to light candles to set the tone, but unattended candles could result in a fire. “Remember my comment earlier, trees aren’t a source of fire but they’re just a great sustainable item, but candles are a source. Candles start fires. You have to be very careful with them. I would prefer that you get something that is electronic, and artificial, and safer. But if you’re going to use candles, please just be aware of where they are at, what’s around them, pets, children, obstacles. What could actually impact your candles and lastly never leave them unattended,” stated Chief Peterson. Nearly half of candle fires are caused by candles placed too close to flammable objects.

The members of the Price City Fire Department would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.