It is predictable that somewhere, some family’s Christmas celebration and entire home may disappear in a fire. It happens almost every year. It doesn’t have to be. In fact a healthy, well-watered, fresh cut Christmas tree doesn’t burn readily. And therein lies one of the secrets of avoiding a fire – a healthy tree, a well-watered tree, a fresh cut tree.

There are fresh cut – in fact cut your own – trees available at two locations in Chatham County. High Hopes Farm on Hadley Mill Road west of Pittsboro has Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Virginia Pine trees. Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm will have “choose and cut” Virginia Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, and Carolina Sapphire. And they will be bringing in pre-cut Leyland Cypress, White Pine, Scotch Pine, and Fraser Fir. More information about both farms is available at http://www.ncfarmfresh.com/Directory.asp?product=12&county=CHATHAM&submit=Search

If cut your own is not your style, there will be lots of pre-cut trees available. With safe handling, they don’t have to be fire hazards. Some needles will fall off any tree on the lot. But if you drop the base of the tree a few inches onto a hard surface, avoid any tree that showers needles. It’s too dry.

Regardless of when the tree was cut, make a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk when you get it home to remove the clogged vessels. Cut off about an inch of trunk and place it in a bucket of water. It may take up to a gallon of water in the first day. After that absorption decreases, but it may still absorb a few pints per day. Don’t let it dry out.

Keep the tree in a protected outdoor environment as long as possible. Indoor air tends to dry plants, so keep it outside in shade until ready to decorate. When the tree comes in, place it where it will not be subject to drying by drafts or heat vents. Keep it well away from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, televisions, or any electrical devices. Place it in a stand with water and check the water daily to prevent drying. Arrange the tree so that you can get to the base.

Do not add anything to the water. You may hear lots of suggestions. But none improves the life of the tree over plain water. And some additives can actually speed the drying process. We are still investigating strategies for providing water to the latest phenomenon, hanging trees from the ceiling. Until we get that just right, lets not use electric lights on those.

Any lights or other electrical devices placed on the tree should bear the UL Underwriters Label. Inspect lights and wires carefully for bare wires, shorts, or poor connections and discard any that don’t measure up. It’s not worth it. Always unplug lights when you leave home or go to bed.

Create your own Christmas Magic. Keep it safe. No one wants a fire for Christmas.