By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Marshal Tony Arpin says if you're going to have a real Christmas tree, it needs to have plenty of moisture.
"I've heard cases of static electricity actually starting a Christmas tree on fire," Arpin said. "Please keep them watered. Make sure all your Christmas tree lights, there's no exposed wiring on those, they're all functioning properly and be careful with cats. Cats like to knock over Christmas trees, I hear."
The amount of water a Christmas tree could need is large.
"A cedar tree out in a field, I've heard that they can drink 30 to 55 gallons of water a day once they are mature," Arpin said. "If you cut down a tree, you need to check it every day and make sure its got water every day."
Michigan State University notes that a tree with a 2-inch diameter trunk may initially use 2 quarts of water per day; a tree with a 4-inch diameter trunk may use more than 1 gallon per day. It's also important not to overload where your Christmas lights are plugged in.
"Be careful that you don't plug in too many strings of lights back to back," Arpin said. "There should be a tag that tells you how many you can plug in back to back. If you use extension cords, don't use those cheap little extension cords. Get a good heavy duty rated extension cord for how much energy you're going to be pulling."
Make sure that extension cord doesn't have any cracks and is in good working order, too.