Real Christmas trees up fire risks
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If you opt for a real Christmas tree over an artificial one this winter, there could be a higher risk of fire.
Fire Marshall James Kostuk says they haven’t seen a lot of fires in Grande Prairie, but there’s definitely a significant risk if trees aren’t cared for properly.
“First you want to make sure the tree is freshly cut and you’re watering it daily,” he said. “Christmas trees take quite a bit of water.”
Kostuk says in public buildings, like schools or restaurants, real Christmas trees can only be up for a maximum 14 days before they need to be replaced.
“Unfortunately residential homes and units have their own requirements,” he said. “But you can see if there’s a need to change it every 14 days in commercial, people should be applying that in their homes.”
Kostuk recommends using LED bulbs when decorating, as they produce less heat. He also advises to make sure cords are in good condition, with no frays in the wiring.
