HOLLAND, N.Y. (WKBW) — Christmas trees are the perfect fire starter material, but for all the wrong reasons.
Between 2012 and 2016, in the United States, on average 170 Christmas trees contributed to household fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The best way to prevent a holiday catastrophe in your home is to buy a fresh Christmas tree. If you can't buy a fresh one make sure to water your tree every other day.
Once a tree is cut, it begins to dry out immediately. That makes the pine needles more flammable and over time it won't absorb as much water. To avoid this issue buy from local farmers over big box stores.
"When was it cut? Where was it? How was it kept after it was cut? I mean out in the sun or some hot warehouse? That's a big mistake," owner of Roth's Hillside Farm, Robert Roth, said.
Big box stores tend to cut its trees earlier in the season making them more susceptible to drying out.
Other holiday safety tips include: always check for frayed wires, never throw wrapping paper in the fireplace, never place the tree near an open fire.
For more by James Groh, visit his Facebook or Twitter page.
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