NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Christmas is less than three weeks away and many are heading to tree lots to pick up the perfect live tree to decorate.
That live tree in your living room needs special care to ensure it lasts for a long time and doesn’t cause a fire hazard.
Almost one in three of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical fires.
To make sure you stay safe we spoke with Wilmington Fire Department to learn how to properly care for your tree.
“They’re not usually that common but when they happen, they can be serious. So, it’s important to make sure you check everything,” WFD Probationary Firefighter Andy Matelski, said.
Firefighter Andy Matelski said you should keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source. Use lights that produce low heat to decorate, and never leave your tree lights on while you’re not home.
“Make sure you water your tree everyday so that it doesn’t dry out,” Matelski said. “Once the tree dries out it’s a lot more likely to cause fires. If you make sure you water it every day, you don’t have to wonder if it’s drying out.”
Rusty Barr, owner of ‘Barr Evergreens’ located on Covil Ave. in Wilmington said along with regulars, he sees plenty of first-time live tree buyers.
He said he lets his customers know that with the joy of having a real Christmas tree, comes the job of maintaining it.
“You need to keep the water level checked. You don’t want to let it run out. Once it runs out it could seal up and not take water anymore,” Barr said.
He said there should be no harm in the holidays and that’s why he does his part to help inform his customers of what to expect.
“A real tree is the center of your holiday, and it should be a safe holiday with a real Christmas tree,” Barr said.
Remember to properly dispose of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
Do not place it outside near your home, that is when it is in its most flammable state.