Christmas Tree Prime Fire Target

LONGVIEW — While holiday revelers are rockin’ around the Christmas tree this year, Longview’s fire marshal is urging the use of safety precautions to keep festivities from going up in smoke. “Our hope here is to prevent a fire during the Christmas holidays,” said Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. According to KETK, to illustrate the danger, Longview’s fire department staged a Christmas tree fire Thursday at the department’s training facility, 200 Fair St.
Trees were set up, trimmed with all the usual decorations — twinkling lights, glittery garland and shiny ornaments. The trees were placed near living room furniture, just as they typically are placed in homes. In about 30 seconds, the trees were fully engulfed in flames. In less than a minute, nearby furniture was on fire. Thick, black smoke was billowing throughout the room.