RE: Christmas tree fire . . . but wait . . . it isn't what you think

[firefighterjake]

Thought I would post this after reading the comments from the Christmas tree thread a few weeks back . . .

http://www.bangordailynews.com/story/Midcoast/Crews-converge-on-remote-Winterport-fire,162474

Perhaps this may open a few eyes.

 

[branchburner]

I've always worried more about my wires than my fires. My chimney is a single metal tube enclosed in brick - no mice will be chewing through it causing short circuits.

 

[jeff_t]

Probably a good thing they had an artificial tree. I've been in one fire where the real tree was the point of origin, and another that it wasn't the point of origin, but it definitely intensified the fire. I'll never have a real tree in my house. I know, they are reasonably safe if you are careful and keep them well watered, but after witnessing the devastation firsthand, I'm a little biased.

Couple of good vids- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjO3wZDVlA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBiZtfjioU

 

[velvetfoot]

When I was a kid in Brooklyn, the older kids would light off discarded trees in the street.

 

[snowtime]

Back in the early 70s we were without power so it was candles on the tree. It use to be you could buy little Christmas candle holders just for this. My wife and I look back on that and burning the old "tin" stove and we wonder how we got through it. Just lucky I guess especially because we are isolated and no one is coming to help.
It was pretty much "if it works its ok" back then but we have learned over the years and now we are super careful.