Fire brings down 56-foot Christmas tree at Lucena park

LUCENA CITY, Philippines – The Quezon provincial government’s 56-foot-tall Christmas tree festooned with coconut husks and multi-colored lights at the Perez Park here caught fire late Tuesday afternoon. Ironically, combustible coconut husks were used to symbolize the province’s efforts to revive the ailing coconut industry.

A provincial official said the fire occurred at around 5:20 p.m. just as early evening park visitors were starting to arrive at the provincial capitol grounds to take photos of the giant Christmas tree.

“The one in charge of the Christmas tree put on the switch for the lights to accommodate the request of park visitors when suddenly it caught fire as soon as it was switched on,” Rowell Radovan, chief of the province general services office, said in an interview Wednesday morning.

No one was hurt, he added.

Citing an initial investigation report by firemen, Radovan said the fire was caused by a short circuit triggered by wet wires connecting the 300 sets of “outdoor Christmas lights” after a heavy rain.

“Apparently, there was a short circuit in the connection. But it was an accident,” Radovan said.

Radovan said strong winds also contributed to the fire which, according to witnesses, lasted only for about  five minutes as firemen quickly put it the fire out before it could spread to several tents put up around the tree for what was to be a three-day Christmas bazaar and trade fair.

“The fire happened very fast,” Radovan said. Only the frames made from coconut lumber were left standing.

The giant holiday display, with a Nativity scene at its base, was first opened to the public last Monday evening, which coincided with the start of the three-day Christmas bazaar and trade fair.

Radovan said the Christmas display was a “labor of love” by provincial officials and employees, coconut farmers and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

“Some of our employees volunteered to help in the construction. The farmers helped in dehusking and grating the coconut meat prior to its adornment. The PCA donated the coconuts,” Radovan said.

He added: “The giant coconut Christmas tree symbolized our common aspirations to rehabilitate the ailing coconut industry.”

He also said that most of the Christmas lights were donations from businessmen, civic groups, employees and provincial officials.

Radovan said he will immediately meet with all concerned provincial offices for the design and construction of a new Christmas tree.

“As soon as the cleaning of the debris is finished, we will immediately start erecting the new one. But it will no longer be adorned with coconuts. Maybe, just a steel pole and wires,” he said.