COLUMBUS – Now that all the presents have been opened and the holiday season is over, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal says it’s time to discard your Christmas tree.
“The longer trees remain in homes, the higher the fire risk,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, garage or placed outside against the house.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association, a third of home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January as the trees begin to dry out and become fire hazards. In fact, 160 home structure fires began with Christmas trees from 2015 to 2019, resulting in two deaths, 12 injuries and $10 million in direct property damage.
Residents should check with there local community to find a recycling program. Also, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends recycling trees as a wildlife habitat.
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