With Christmas now past, it’s time to start thinking about taking down the tree. Des Moines Fire Department spokesman Brian O’Keefe says use good judgment when it comes to the real tree. He says the lifespan of a tree depends on when the tree was cut and how dry your home is. O’Keefe says if you can run your hand across the needles and your hand gets full of needles, it’s time to remove the tree.
O’Keefe says many fires this time are of year are caused by people who’re distracted by other things. O’Keefe says to make sure that you have everything put away, the stove shut off and candles blown out before you leave. O’Keefe says all the extras in your home are things you’re not used to the rest of the year and you may forget them.