Water That Tree!

Anyone who brings a real tree into their home to decorate for the holidays should watch the video clip called Water That Tree! The webpage at the US Fire Administration where the video is posted explains:

The video clip above from the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology illustrates what happens when fire touches a dry tree. Within three seconds of ignition, the dry Scotch pine is completely ablaze. At five seconds, the fire extends up the tree and black smoke with searing gases streaks across the ceiling. Fresh air near the floor feeds the fire. The sofa, coffee table and the carpet ignite prior to any flame contact. Within 40 seconds “flashover” occurs - that’s when an entire room erupts into flames, oxygen is depleted and dense, deadly toxic smoke engulfs the scene.

The page also says quite plainly: Well-watered trees are not a problem. Once again, a simple precaution can be a major safety factor.