Christmas Trees

This a Scrooge-like letter in this season in which we should be merry.

For some, the merriment stops abruptly when it is discovered that an incendiary device has been brought into the center of the merriment, the home.

This device, the cut, live Christmas tree. These trees are usually cut in October, and have been sitting on lots in California in Santa Ana wind conditions since November.

Each January, I sadly help some through their grief as we reconstruct household inventories which have been lost due to Christmas tree fires.

Don’t let it happen to you. Select trees with care, then keep them moist. Don’t overheat the tree with too many lights, and never leave a lighted tree unattended.

DENA HALL

Woodland Hills

The writer is a personal property appraiser.