Churches, Capitol could have live Christmas trees next year

Bill blocking restrictions
recently proposed

By next Christmas, Wisconsin could lift restrictions against having live Christmas trees in churches and the state Capitol.

Two legislators have introduced a bill to block local fire departments from requiring only artificial Christmas trees in public places.

La Crosse assistant fire chief Warren Thomas says his department wants to know if citizens have concerns about the safety of having live trees indoors.

Thomas reminds people who decorate live trees to keep them well-watered through the season. The city of La Crosse will pick up discarded trees Jan. 4-8.