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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2015 / 01/05/15 Honolulu Fire Department recommends disposing your Christmas tree immediately

January 5, 2015   Honolulu Fire Department recommends disposing your Christmas tree immediately   Now that the holidays are over and decorations are being put away, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) encourages everyone to remove and recycle their natural Christmas trees as soon as possible.   "A dry Christmas tree is a serious fire hazard.  While the tree itself won't start a fire, it is a fuel source that burns very quickly and can cause a fire to spread," said Fire Chief Manuel P. Neves.  "An indoor Christmas tree fire can be very devastating.  An outdoor Christmas tree fire is also very dangerous, as it can send flames, heat, and smoke billowing into a structure, thus endangering lives and property."   The HFD offers the following tips to help reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire:   Never burn a Christmas tree or tree clippings in a fireplace.  This is likely to deposit highly flammable creosote in the chimney and may cause a fire to extend to the rest of your home.   Never burn a Christmas tree in a bonfire.  The pitch in the wood is likely to generate large, fast-moving sparks, which can spread a fire. Remember, rubbish fires are illegal.  Other open burnings, such as bonfires, require the Fire Chief's approval.   Do not leave your Christmas tree outside for a long period of time. Someone may be tempted to ignite the tree, which will endanger life and property.   Place your tree at the curb on your green waste collection day or drop it off at the nearest City convenience center or composting facility.  For more information, visit www.opala.org.   - END -   CONTACT:  Fire Captain David Jenkins, Public Information Officer, 808-723-7117