As you deck the halls this holiday season, the Fort Worth Fire Department encourages you to be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.

When selecting your live tree, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in its stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Check the water level daily.

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it’s dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the house.
• In Fort Worth, trees can be placed curbside for recycling or taken to one of the drop-off stations.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and to make them last longer.