Duane Hicks
Local residents looking to put their Christmas trees out on the curb can mark Saturday, Jan. 14 on their calendars as 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 this year falls on Saturday, Jan. 7.
The tree pick-up—a tradition started here years ago by the now-defunct Jaycees—not only is a community service but also a fire safety measure.
After all, having a dried-out tree in a residence can be a fire hazard.
While members of the brigade do the actual pick-up, which usually starts around 2-3 p.m., a number of local businesses lend trucks, trailers, and other equipment to make the transportation and destruction of the trees possible, Capt. Kirk Armstrong said yesterday.
The trees likely will be chipped again this year by Daryl Eyolfson of Daryl’s Custom Landscapes Ltd.
Trees should be put on the boulevard in front of houses because crews won’t be going down back alleys, Capt. Armstrong advised.
The trees should be lying on their side so there’s no confusion as to whether the tree is for pick-up or if it’s planted in a front yard, he added.
Residents also are urged to make sure their Christmas trees are easily identifiable. If they get covered in snow prior to Jan. 14, make sure they’re visible in time for pick-up, said Capt. Armstrong.
Once again, residents who have their trees picked up are encouraged to give a donation to the fire department.
“It doesn’t always happen but we encourage people to do it because it does go towards a good cause,” said Capt. Armstrong.
“Every year, we decide where we’re going to give the money to, so it goes back into the community.
“Depending on what we get, we usually top it up to about $1,000, so sometimes it’s a couple different places we donate to,” he added.
“We encourage people to donate because it is for a good cause.”
In the past, the brigade has given to local families in need, the Riverside Foundation for Health Care, “David’s Deli,” the “Risk Watch” fire safety program, and the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau’s annual community Christmas dinner, among other worthy causes.
Residents can make a donation either by giving it to the firefighters doing the collecting, leaving it in their mail box, or dropping it off at the fire hall.
The fire department is asking people not to attach donations directly to the trees, as some residents have done in the past, because they may not be seen and then accidentally get disposed with the tree.
Anyone with questions about the Christmas tree pick-up can call 274-9841.
