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Here’s when you should dispose of your Christmas tree to prevent a fire

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida officials are encouraging Floridians to dispose of their Christmas trees quickly after the holidays to prevent fires.

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said leaving a tree up past December greatly increases the chances of a fire incident.

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Nearly 30% of Christmas tree fires occur in January, Patronis said.

“While it may be tempting to leave the Christmas tree up longer this year, it is extremely important to take down the tree quickly to prevent a fire-related tragedy,” Patronis said. “Dry Christmas trees pose a serious fire hazard and properly disposing of the tree can ensure your family and property remain safe.”

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Here are some tips to dispose of your tree, according to Patronis.

1. Check for local disposal programs.

Many communities offer a Christmas tree recycling program and have specific drop-off locations or procedures for disposal. You may be able to leave it at the curb at your typical yard waste or bulk collection day. It’s best to check with your local authorities for details.

2. Do not store your tree in the home or garage.

A dry tree can pose a serious fire risk when left in a garage or car port. Do not place your tree against the home before disposal.

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3. Use caution when burning a tree.

Do not burn your Christmas tree without checking with your local community for their open burn regulations. As with any fire, always keep a fire extinguisher close.

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4. Check lights and decorations before storing.

As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires. Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets, where they will not be damaged by water or dampness. This can save you from accidentally creating electrical hazards for next year.

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Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.