Duane Hicks
Have a real Christmas tree but don’t know an easy way to get rid of it?
Kick that tree to the curb!
Town residents can put their Christmas trees out next Saturday (Jan. 13) when the Fort Frances Fire Brigade makes the rounds for its annual pick-up.
As in the past, the tree pick-up is being held on the first Saturday following Ukrainian Christmas, which falls this Sunday (Jan. 7).
The crews of firefighters will begin making their rounds by 2 p.m.
As in the past, teams of firefighters will divide the town into sectors and each go to separate neighourhoods to round up trees people leave out for them.
“We’re asking people to leave them out on the curb, not in the back alleys, and free of snow accumulation–at least so we can see them,” Captain of Fire Prevention and Education Wayne Riches told the Times.
Those who have their trees picked up are encouraged to give a donation to the fire department.
“They can leave an envelope in their mailbox, not on the tree,” Capt. Riches advised.
Firefighters also can knock on your door if you choose to hand them the donation in person, he added.
Alternately, donations can be dropped off at the fire hall.
As in the past, the brigade will top up the donations and give it to a good cause.
This has ranged from local charities to area families in need.
Daryl Eyolfson of Daryl’s Custom Landscapes Ltd. is providing use of trailers to haul the trees, which will de disposed of at his business on Sixth Street West.
The Christmas tree pick-up–a tradition started here years ago by the Jaycees–not only is a community service but also a fire safety measure.
But the number of residents with real Christmas trees is declining each year, and Capt. Riches said the brigade may not keep the tradition alive after this year.
“We’ve talked about not continuing doing it and then the town establishing a drop-off location for the trees instead, to chip them or whatever,” he explained.
“But for this year, we’ll move forward with it and see where we’re at.
“We’ll definitely give the community a head’s up if we’re not going to do it,” Capt. Riches added.
“They’ll know well in advance.”
If you have any questions, call the fire hall at 274-9841.
