Christmas tree fires a major concern

ROCKFORD - Rockford fire officials know a Christmas tree was inside the southeast side home that burned down killing four early Monday morning, and that it was near where the fire originated.

While it is still unknown what started the fire, officials believe the tree played a role in spreading the blaze.  Now that it's been two weeks since Christmas, it's time for the old trees to go.

It can happen in an instant and it can happen without warning.

It's "a fuel source in your living room," said South Beloit Fire Department Chief Kenneth Morse.

In just seven seconds "a dry tree can be totally consumed," said Morse.  A Christmas tree caught on fire can turn a room into a raging inferno.

"You can fully involve a room in a matter of 1 to 2 minutes," said Morse.

At the South Beloit Fire Department station, fire fighters set an old discarded Christmas tree on fire to show us what happens when the fire reaches a flash point.

"The longer their in the house, even with proper care, they more they are going to dry out," said Morse.  "It's time to get it out and get it away from the home."

Chief Morse says poor electric chords, cigarette smoking, and open flame candles are the main causes of Christmas trees catching on fire

"Depending on how fast and they type of construction, their may be some significant internal damage done to the home," said Morse.

Most Christmas tree fires are accidental, and Chief Morse says in the last decade there has been an increase in the number of fires due to decorative candles.  A major concern right now, especially if there are young children in the house.

"We've got an immediate source of ignition that a kid can grab and set something on fire very quickly," said Morse.

If you feel the need to keep your tree up for sometime, it's important that you maintain the tree.  That means keep it watered and properly maintained to avoid it becoming the ideal fuel source for a fire.