According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, resulting in 6 deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage. The Williamson County Fire Chiefs Association encourages residents to use care this holiday season to prevent fires.
Tree fires typically are started by shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches. Dry and neglected trees can set an entire room on fire within one minute; however, well-watered trees do not catch fire as easily. When selecting a live tree, check for freshness including if the tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and needles bend between fingers. When tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles and the trunk is sticky with resin. Place trees away from fireplaces or other heat sources and keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, particularly do not block doorways. When purchasing an artificial tree, select one labeled “fire resistant.”
It is suggested not to leave a live tree up for any longer than two weeks. Live trees should be disposed of through recycling. Waste Management, operator of the Williamson County Landfill, has teamed up with Keep Hutto Beautiful and the City of Hutto to offer FREE tree recycling from Monday, December 29 through Saturday, January 10. Waste Management will turn the trees into mulch and have the mulch available for use by those who need it for mulching flower beds and landscape areas at their home. There is no cost to the program. Before bringing the trees in for recycling:
· Remove all lights, tree stands, garland, tinsel and decorations from the tree.
· Do not bring any flocked trees (White/Fake Snow Coated).
Located on the west side of F.M. 1660, the Williamson County Landfill is located between Highway 79 and Highway 29. Look for the Waste Management sign and the Recycling Center building. Check in at the Landfill Office. Operating hours are available at http://williamsoncountylandfill.wm.com/facility/contacts.asp. Williamson County is under a burn ban, so trees may not be burned outside, and never put the tree, its branches or needles into a wood-burning stove or fireplace.
Another source of holiday fires is lights. Holiday lights, whether indoor or outdoor, should be checked for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections and damaged sets should be discarded. Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage. Use only insulated staples or hooks, not nails or tacks, to hold lights in place. Turn off all lights when you go to sleep or leave the house.
Some families have a tradition of bringing in the New Year with fireworks. Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a restriction on the sale and use of aerial fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county. All skyrockets with sticks, devices with fins or rudders for the purpose of achieving aerodynamic flights (includes missiles or rockets) are restricted. Violation of the sale or use of a prohibited fire work is a Class C misdemeanor that could carry a fine up to $500. This does not include professional fireworks displays conducted with approval from local fire departments. All fireworks are banned inside most city limits.
If fireworks are a part of your New Year’s Eve celebration, remember these fire safety tips:
1. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
2. Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
3. Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
4. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
5. Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
6. Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher ready to wet a spark or flame. A fire source is not considered extinguished until it is wet.