For members of Richland’s firefighter union, Christmas is a little less joyful.
Officials with Local 1052 said it would no longer sell Christmas trees as a community fundraiser.
“We’re in a bit of a dull mood today,” officials said on Richland Fire & Emergency Services’ Facebook page when it announced the news. Capt. Mike Emerick said that Silver Mountain Trees, the west-side supplier they used, guaranteed that trees would be freshly cut the day before they were sold.
That ensured a healthy, vibrant tree.
More importantly to Emerick, it ensured a less fire-prone tree.
He said evergreens like those sold in front of big box stores typically are weeks old and dried out by the time they are sold.
A big conglomerate bought struggling Silver Mountain Trees last year, Emerick said.