By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It’s not enough to find the perfect live Christmas tree to decorate for the holidays.
Bowling Green Fire Division showed a crowd of families Saturday just how important it is to keep that tree watered once it’s brought into the home.
First firefighters lit a well-watered evergreen tree – which stopped burning after a few seconds. Then they ignited a dried out Christmas tree – and watched it go up in flames.
“The Christmas presents are starting to burn right now,” said firefighter Nathan Espinoza as he narrated the fire demonstration for families watching the tree flame up.
The Christmas tree fire was one of many demonstrations at the annual open house at the Pearl Street fire station.
Espinoza explained that Christmas tree safety starts with the tree selection.
“Make sure you’re picking out a good tree,” he said. That means there are no brown areas, and that needles aren’t falling out even before it gets home.
Then, keep it hydrated. Espinoza recommended watering live Christmas trees at least once a day. For the first couple days in the house, a freshly cut tree can drink up to a gallon of water each day, he said.
Picking out the proper base is also important, since it should hold at least one quart of water for each inch of the trunk diameter, he said.
Then when decorating, make sure the strings of lights are UL approved. And keep the tree away from any open flames, such as candles or fireplaces, Espinoza said.
“One of our biggest themes was to show the difference between well hydrated trees, and the need to not put too many lights on that create heat,” Fire Chief Bill Moorman said.
The demonstration also pointed out the importance of smoke detectors.
“It’s going to give you the time to get out safely,” Moorman said.
In addition to the Christmas tree fire demonstration, the open house also featured a fire extinguisher demonstration, a rappelling demonstration from the aerial ladder, technical rescue demonstration, and an auto extrication demonstration using the Jaws of Life.
Those attending also had the chance to operate a real fire hose, sit in fire trucks and ambulances, tour the fire station, and go through the fire safety trailer.
