Cut your own Christmas tree

  • Published
  • By Tom Slater
  • 354th Civil Engineering Squadron
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For people who aren't satisfied with an artificial Christmas tree, Natural Resources has some good news. Permits for cutting a tree on base will be available beginning Nov. 23. The permits will be sold at the Natural Resources Office located in near the Par Course. Call 377-5182 or 378-8046 for more information on the permits.

The following tips are recommended to increase safety during the holiday season:
- If purchasing live/fresh cut trees, carefully inspect the needles. If needles a're brown or break easily, the tree isn't fresh and poses a greater fire risk. When taking a tree home, put it in a sturdy, non-tip stand and keep it filled with water at all times.
- Place the tree or greens at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.
- Use only UL approved lights and cords.
- Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for electrical decorations and carefully inspect each electrical decoration for deficiencies.
- Turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- Try to position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
- Do not place the tree where it may block exits.

Remembering these few tips will help the holiday season remain safe and enjoyable. For more information about live tree safety or any other fire safety questions, call the Eielson Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Office at 377-1293.

There are two options to dispose of live trees. They can be taken to the dumpster area located by the Polaris Lake Fire Station in the designated collection point. Or they can be placed on the curb on a to-be announced date determined by the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron who will drive through military family housing and pick them up. They will be placed in a pile and used for the New Years Eve bonfire.