Dipping reduces fire risks for Christmas trees

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December 1, 2009

By LISA SIMPSON STRANGE The Glasgow Daily Times Tue Dec 01, 2009, 01:33 PM CST

GLASGOW — A freshly cut Christmas tree can pose a fire hazard in the home during the holidays because of the combination of drying branches covered with strings of electric lights.

The Glasgow Fire Department is offering a tree dipping service free of charge now through Dec. 23. Fire officials urge residents to have their trees covered in flame retardant material to both decrease the chance of fire and make the trees stay green longer.

Tree shoppers should always try to find the freshest tree possible with pliable needles, good green color and firm needle retention, according to information from the GFD. The base of the tree should be placed in a container of water immediately after being brought home. Before the tree is placed in a tree stand, a 1-inch cut should be made off the base to allow the tree to take in more water. The water level should be checked often and refilled as necessary.

Never place Christmas trees near sources of heat. When decorating the tree with lights, always use UL approved Christmas lights. There should also be working smoke detectors on each level in the home.

Trees will be dipped in a solution of boric acid and borax at Glasgow Fire Station No. 2 just off the bypass near the railroad tracks at 130 Cross St. each day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The fire department has been providing this free service to the community for many years, according to GFD spokesperson, Polly Spillman.

“We had people calling Wednesday wanting to know when we were going to start,” Spillman said. “A lot of people want to get their trees put up.”

The department dips on average between 80 to 100 trees each year, according to Spillman. The actual dipping process only takes 15-20 seconds as the firefighters submerge trees in a tank filled the flame retardant solution. The trees are then shaken to remove the excess liquid.

Drying time takes one to two hours depending on weather conditions and where the tree is left to dry, according to GFD Sgt. Brian Shirley. The solution is not harmful to vehicles and can be washed off, but residents may also leave the freshly dipped Christmas trees at the fire station and pick them up when dry, Shirley said.

Peak times are Saturdays and after work around 5:30 p.m., according to Shirley, To avoid a possible wait in line, residents should plan on going during non-peak times.

For more information, call the main firehouse at 651-5170 or fire substation No. 2 at 651-6009.

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