If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to put that Christmas tree out on the curb as the Fort Frances Fire Brigade’s annual tree pick-up is slated Saturday.
Firefighters will be making the rounds starting around 2 p.m., loading up trees and then destroying them with the help of trucks, trailers, and a woodchipper donated by local businesses.
Most of the trees will be shredded and taken to the town landfill. But in the past, some have been brought to the airport and Rusty Myers Flying Service to use to mark runways in the winter.
Residents are urged to make sure their trees are easily identifiable. If they are wrapped in plastic, for instance, make sure you rip part of the covering open so the tree inside can be seen.
Also, be sure the tree is laying on its sides so no mistakes are made with removing any planted ones.
The pick-up traditionally is held on the first Saturday after Ukrainian Christmas.
Once again, residents who have their trees picked up are encouraged to make a donation to the fire department, either by giving it to the firefighters doing the collecting, leaving it in their mail box, or dropping it off at the fire hall.
In 2000, the firefighters donated about $1,000 to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care’s “Care Close to Home” campaign. Last year, they collected about $850 for the “RiskWatch” program.
“RiskWatch,” or a similar safety program, likely will be the recipient of any proceeds again this year.
If you have any more questions about the Christmas tree pick-up, call the fire department at 274-9841.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
