Have you fire-proofed your Christmas tree? Here’s what to look out for

December 3, 2016 6:13 pm

By Alana Cerrone

acerrone@abc6.com

@Alana_Cerrone

It only takes one minute for a tree to be completely engulfed in flames – and take the whole living room with it. Firefighters across the country see over 200 Christmas tree fires every year.

"You’re combining a flammable material such as a dry Christmas tree with electricity…heat."

Those beautifully-decorated Christmas trees may make the holidays merry and bright, but they can also cause massive fire damage. North Providence Fire Lt. Jay Petrillo says the kind of tree you buy can make a difference.

"When you’re looking for your tree you want to buy a fresh tree – you want to cut off at least 2 inches to keep it fresh – and keep it watered."

Local tree farmers would agree. Dave Henry from Henry’s Christmas Tree Farm in Scituate grows thousands of trees every year.

"These trees that are coming out of here are coming right out of the field…they were cut just seconds ago. We’ve never had an issue and I’ve done this for 60 years."

Fire officials also say to keep your fresh, hydrated tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources, and check your lights.

"Make sure your lights are tested by a reputable laboratory such as UL. Check and make sure there’s no broken wires or bulbs. You shouldn’t have any more – of the incandescent lighting – you shouldn’t attach more than 3 strings in a row that can also cause an electrical overload."