State Fire Marshall: Promptly Dispose of Christmas Trees

STOW, Mass. — The State Fire Marshall Peter J. Ostroskey urges Commonwealth residents to promptly dispose of their Christmas trees.

"Start the new year off right: promptly dispose of your Christmas tree," State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said. 
"A dried out Christmas tree will ignite quickly and spread a fire very fast."

Dried Out Trees Are Fuel for Fires Indoors and Out

Over the past few years, there have been several fires involving Christmas trees that had dried out. If trees are up early, they can dry out before Christmas. 

"Keep the tree watered, and away from all heat sources. After Christmas, dispose of your tree promptly," Ostroskey said. "If a fire should start for any reason, a tree will help spread the fire extremely rapidly."

On Jan. 3, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., the Westfield Fire Department responded to a Christmas tree fire in a single-family home. The fire began in the living room. No one was injured. The home did not have sprinklers and damages were estimated to be $160,000.

On Jan. 6, 2020 at 9:59 p.m., the Belmont Fire Department responded to a Christmas tree fire in a single-family home. The fire began in the living room where a nearby candle ignited an extremely dry tree. Smoke alarms operated and no one was injured. The home did not have sprinklers and damages were estimated at $2,500.

Disposal of the Tree

Take advantage of community pick-up days or recycling programs, many of which start next week. To find out if your community has a Christmas tree recycling program, contact your local public works department or recycling committee.

The Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has information on Christmas tree recycling at: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/02/05/xmastree-recycling.pdf. Some local goat farms accept bare tree and wreath donations as they are looking for greens things to eat.

On Jan. 2, 2020, at 5:15 p.m., the Sheffield Fire Department was called to a chimney fire in a restaurant. The owner was trying to burn a Christmas tree in the fireplace. No one was injured at this fire.

"Don’t put your Christmas tree curbside until the day of pick up to avoid providing an opportunity for arson," Ostroskey said.

On Dec. 27, 2019, at 9:01 p.m., the Quincy Fire Department responded to an outside Christmas tree fire that had been intentionally set on fire.

On Dec. 31, 2019, at 11:13 p.m., the Fall River Fire Department responded to an outside Christmas tree fire. The tree was on the sidewalk ready for curbside collection when it was intentionally set on fire.

For more information on fire safety, contact your local fire department or the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 1-877-9 NO FIRE or on-line at www.mass.gov/dfs.

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:42AM / Saturday, May 04, 2024

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.