Beecher, IL – Drivers along Dixie Highway this week may have noticed something unusual among the Beecher Chamber of Commerce Christmas trees—a charred, intentionally burned tree placed by the Beecher Fire Protection District as part of a holiday safety warning.
According to the Beecher Fire Protection District, the display is a visual reminder of how quickly a poorly maintained Christmas tree can turn into a serious fire hazard. Firefighters say a dry tree can become fully engulfed in flames in less than 30 seconds, creating an extreme risk inside homes during the holiday season.
The district emphasized several safety steps for live trees, including choosing a tree with fresh needles, cutting two inches off the trunk before placing it in a stand, and watering it daily. Officials also recommended keeping trees away from heat sources, replacing older lights, and turning off tree lights before going to bed.
For artificial trees, the district urged residents to verify that their decorations are labeled fire-retardant and to avoid using outdoor-rated lights indoors. Crews also advised residents to discard any light strands with frayed or damaged wiring.
This seasonal warning is part of the region’s annual “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign. The Beecher Fire Protection District displays a wreath covered in red lights throughout December; if a fire occurs due to a holiday decoration, one bulb is replaced with a white light. The initiative is meant to raise awareness and promote safer decorating habits across Will County and neighboring communities.
Fire officials said the goal is simple: keep every light on the wreath red through the holiday season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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