[KHTS] – It might be winter in the Santa Clarita Valley, but dry, windy conditions have caused two small brush fires this week.

Local firefighters contained both of these blazes within an hour, but for those residents who decorate a live Christmas tree in their home for the holidays, the fires serve a reminder that the danger is real.

Waste Management offers their free curbside Christmas tree recycling for the next two weeks, Thursday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 11.

By recycling Christmas trees, residents can help the environment and keep this valuable resource out of our landfills, according to a press release from the City of Santa Clarita.

Single family residents should place their trees at the curb on their regular collection day during the two weeks following Christmas. Multi-family residents should contact their management office or Home Owners’ Association for drop-off locations at their complex.

For those who plan to keep their Christmas trees after the holidays, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and National Fire Protection Association offer several tips to prevent trees from drying out and becoming a fire hazard in the home.

Inspector Keith Mora with L.A. County Fire said that the most important thing is to keep pine trees hydrated.

When the tree begins dropping needles, it needs to be thrown away.

“Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home,” according to NFPA.

Waste Management will pick up trees only on a neighborhood’s scheduled collection day. Those who plan to leave their tree on the curb for pick up should remove all lights and decorations.

Mora also warned against leaving the tree on the curb for long periods of time, because criminals have been known to light them on fire.

Residents can also bring their trees to the Waste Management office on Springbrook Avenue off of Railroad Avenue.

For more information about Christmas tree disposal and other Waste Management recycling options, call 1-800-774-0222.