Christmas Tree Safety in McLean and Fairfax County

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department offers tips to help residents avoid a fire this season.

Fire departments nationwide respond to about 250 home structure fires each year that involve Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department crews don't want county residents to be among those fires that break out this holiday season. Crews recently distributed tips about Christmas tree safety to holiday tree lot vendors in the form of Christmas safety tags. Live trees don't cause fires, but they can easily catch fire due to candles, electrical problems or other heat sources. Here are some tips provided by the department: To print out a copy of the safety tag, visit the Fairfax County Emergency Information Blog.

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Tips for the Neighbors

Tips: Disposing of the Christmas Tree?

Green-After Christmas Tips

Christmas trees that a week ago were  dazzling centers of family delight are already being kicked to the curb. Now your Christmas tree can begin its second life. Christmas trees less than eight feet tall will be collected and recycled at no additional cost during the first two weeks in January. Removing decorations allows trees to be recycled by grinding them into mulch, according to Fairfax County. When placing your tree at the curb, the county asks that you please remove tree stands, ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree toppers. For trees larger than eight feet tall , please contact your refuse and recycling collection company for directions. After the first two weeks in January, collection companies may charge an additional fee for …

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