Goldens Bridge Fire Department’s Christmas tree sale under way

Goldens Bridge Fire Department’s tree sale from 2024.

The Goldens Bridge Fire Department is selling fresh-cut Christmas trees at the firehouse, located at 254 Waccabuc Road, Goldens Bridge.

The sale features a fresh crop of Fraser-balsam fir hybrids, prized for its classic holiday scent and blue-green hues, ranging in height from 6 feet to over 10 feet. 

Hours of operation are Mondays and Fridays, 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The department said the sale will continue until every tree finds a home for the holidays. 

Firefighters will give your tree a fresh cut, trim the bottom branches, wrap it in nylon mesh for easy transport, and load it into your vehicle or secure it on the roof.

“We source our trees from farms that cut them as close to Thanksgiving as possible, which makes them among the freshest available on the market. The only way you’ll get a fresher tree is if you cut it down yourself,” said firefighter and GBFD secretary Walter Hughes, who has paired for many years with firefighter and department president, Edward Canora, as co-chairs of the annual Christmas Tree Sale. 

Canora said the Fraser-balsam fir hybrid is one of the most popular trees for indoor holiday décor because its lush, strong branches hold up well to ornaments throughout the season. “But the key to a longer-lasting holiday tree is to set it away from heating sources and keep the water well filled to capacity on a daily basis,” he said.

On Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., the department also will have its annual “Curbside with Santa” event, where families can pose for photos. It also includes free food and a gift bag for all children.

Christmas tree safety tips

Goldens Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo offered safety tips, which will be provided in a handout to all Goldens Bridge Fire Department tree purchasers.

— Keep your tree at least 5 feet from heat sources like radiators, lamps, heating vents and baseboards.

— Keep the tree at least twice that distance from an active fireplace.

— Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk to help it absorb water.

— Fill the water well daily and keep it filled to capacity.

— Use UL-approved indoor, cool-burning lights.

— Inspect all light sets for frayed or damaged wires.

— Don’t connect more than the number of light sets recommended by the manufacturer.

— Don’t overload extension cords, panels or outlets.

— Always turn off the tree lights when you leave the room or aren’t home, and when you go to bed.