Water Christmas Tree Daily to Avoid Fires, Officials Warn
Dry leaves and faulty electrical outlets can become fire hazards during the holidays.
The Michigan Bureau of Fire Services is urging consumers to water their Christmas tree daily and practice important safety measures to avoid fire risk and reduce the chance of a tragedy during the holiday season. “A dry tree is extremely flammable compared to a well-watered tree,” said state fire marshal Richard Miller. “When a Christmas tree catches fire, you have only seconds to escape a potentially deadly fire --- don’t risk the loss of family, friends or your home.” In 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees causing an average of four deaths, 21 injuries and $17.3 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection …
