Dry Christmas trees can cause fire concern

OCEAN PINES, Md- Following the Christmas Holiday it may be tempting to keep your tree up in the home for just a little longer to admire its beauty and reminisce on the festivities.

While they can be a pleasant reminder of the season the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department wants to warn those who celebrate that the trees can become a fire hazard if not maintained properly.

“Any time you bring vegetation into your house that has been cut down from a forest, there is always a risk involved if you’re not watering  that tree.” Says Joe Enste with the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

“When they dry out, that’s when they become very flammable… A dry Christmas tree can go up very quickly if exposed to a flame.”

Enste advises that if you want to keep your tree up after the holiday, to make sure you keep it watered and away from any possible heat sources that could cause the plant to ignite.

If you notice that the tree is easily losing its bristles, then its time to take your tree down and out of the house.