Don't Let the Holidays go up in Flames

By Sara Sultanik / NCC News

December 8, 2009

Cazenovia, N.Y. - When you come to Critz Farms in Cazenovia on a Saturday morning, the first thing that hits you is the smell.

It’s the smell of winter.

The cold, brisk air that smacks you right in the face.  

But its also the smell of the pine, fir, or any other type of tree that could be taken home to be transformed into a Christmas tree.  

And for some at the farm, cutting down a tree was a tradition.

“We’re here with our families to pick out or Christmas tree like we do every year,” said Jeff Sherman of Manlius.  

But what many Christmas Tree shoppers did not think about were the fire safety risks associated with Christmas trees.

It Takes Less Than a Minute

Captain Tom Erwin of the Syracuse Fire Department stated it takes only about thirty seconds for a tree to become fully engulfed in flames.

“A lot of it is improper use of extension cords, improper use of light...or not keeping your tree nice, fresh, and watered,” said Erwin.

Captain Erwin also claimed if needles are falling off the tree at the lot, it’s best to move on to another, fresher tree.

Many Say It’s Worth the Risk

But many Critz Farms shoppers said they dont worry about the fire safety risk.  

“It’s part of Christmas, you have to have a tree!” stated Ryan Coburn of Manlius.  

And another shopper, Denis Branson of Fayetteville agreed: “Life is not without risk and as long as you manage risk, the smell and the season and the enjoyment hunting for the tree is worth it.

But Captain Erwin does not want the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to make anyone forget to take the extra fire safety precautions with their tree