Community Corner

Why That Christmas Tree Should Be Taken Down Right Away

Why not leave your tree up through Jan. 2? Fire officials explain why.

Written by Jamie M. Rogers (Editor)

There's a reason why Christmas trees and lights should be taken down as soon as possible after the holiday, and it isn't to lower the electric bill. 

Dried out trees left up through January can pose a fire risk, according to the National Fire Protection Association

And based on this video of a burning Christmas tree, it will only take 73 seconds for the tree, and whatever is near it, to be engulfed in flame. 

Though fires caused by Christmas trees aren't common, roughly 40 percent of all such fires that begin with trees happened after the holiday in January, according to fire protection association statistics. 

The best course of action is to take the tree down as soon as possible and recycle it. 

Here's the easiest way to get rid of your tree in D.C. 

When taking down holiday lights, don't grab the cords and yank them out of the wall, fire officials said. Not pulling it out of the wall by the plug can damage the cord's wires and installation. 

Inspect all lights before storing them for next year's use. Throw away lights that have electrical shorts, appear to be broken or that have loose and exposed wires. 

For storage, wrap lights around pieces of cardboard or store them individually in plastic bags in a dry place. 

Think you know everything about holiday safety? Take this National Fire Protection Association online quiz.


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