INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — As the holiday season comes to a close, the Florida Forest Service is asking Floridians to be mindful when disposing of Christmas trees. Dry limbs and needles from discarded Christmas trees can become an ignition source for fire if not properly cleared away from homes and natural areas.
One way to remove this potential fire hazard is by recycling Christmas trees. Many locations offer tree recycling services such as curbside pick-up, recycling centers and mulching programs. Check with a local utilities service for more information about Christmas tree disposal and recycling programs.
However, some residents may decide to burn their Christmas tree. The Florida Forest Service has offered the following tips for safe outdoor burning:
• Check local ordinances and requirements for outdoor burning.
• Burn only if significant rainfall has occurred in the last three or four days.
• Never burn on dry or windy days.
• Select a burn location that is at least 25 feet from forests, 25 feet from a home, 150 feet from other occupied buildings and 50 feet from any paved public roadway.
• Remove all decorations from the tree before you burn.
• Cut the tree into manageable sections, as necessary.
• Clear the burn area free of other flammable materials.
• Keep a shovel and water hose handy in case the fire starts to escape containment.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before leaving.
• Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.
The Florida Forest Service manages more than 1 million acres of public forest land while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire. For more information about the Florida Forest Service, go to www.FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.
