Dry Christmas trees, heated homes can cause fires

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - With a new year, it's time to get rid of your Christmas tree.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan says last year there were several fires across the state involving dry Christmas trees left inside homes after the holiday season.

With the heat on inside, it adds to the danger.

Deputy Chief Andy Hart of the Westfield Fire Dept. told 22News, "With the extra sources of heat available in the house this time of the year it becomes more of a danger with the tree in the house being dry.”

And leaving your Christmas tree out on the tree belt for too long is also not a good idea. They become an easy target for arsonists.