If you had a live Christmas tree in your house and haven’t taken it down yet, fire officials say you should do it soon.
Adam Thiel is Philadelphia’s Fire Commissioner and he has a very simple message.
“It’s January. Take the tree down,” Thiel said.
Thiel says the tragic fatal fire in Philadelphia was exacerbated by a live tree in the home. He adds that old Christmas trees can be engulfed in flames quickly, and typically spread to other furnishings.
He also adds that another home feature can make house fires worse.
“Open stairways are very common in single family homes and even in duplexes. That’s really what quickly spreads the fire and heat,” Thiel said.