Economy Wiring in Burien announced this week that it will not hold its annual holiday tree lighting this year, following news that King County Fire District #2 can no longer assist with installing lights on the event’s large Douglas Fir tree due to safety and equipment concerns.
The company said it was saddened to stop this longtime tradition, which has been held at its location at 633 SW 148th Street in early December since 1982, with a break during the COVID pandemic.
The event began in 1966 when company founder Gwin Smith climbed the tree himself to hang the lights.
Over time, the early December gathering grew to feature the St. Francis School Choir and an appearance by Santa delivered by firefighters.
Fire District 2 has assisted with lighting the tree for more than 30 years. The department told Economy Wiring that crews could no longer safely place lights on the tree because of its size and condition, and that continued participation could risk damage to equipment or injury to personnel.
“We as the fire department are ceasing our support of putting the lights up and taking the lights down,” Fire Chief Jason Gay told The B-Town Blog. “I take the safety of our firefighters seriously and concerns have been raised regarding this operation.”
Gay added that the tree’s growth over decades has made installation increasingly difficult.
“The tree is overgrown and we have to place the ladder deep into the branches on the tree to reach where the light strands connect. After decades of growth the operation has become unsafe. This, coupled with the wear and tear on the apparatus have brought me to this decision,” he said.
The fire department reported that its ladder sustained more than $2,000 in damage during last year’s tree lighting installation. Officials said the expense, combined with rising equipment costs and the need to protect public resources, contributed to the decision to end the department’s role in putting up and taking down the lights.
Economy Wiring’s owners Jay and Gail Smith said they appreciate the long history of support from the fire department, but expressed disappointment that the celebration will not take place this year.
“Hopefully with more time for planning, the event can continue next year,” Gail Smith said.
Sad but with the 2,000 damage last year that the city had to pay for. The tree has not been kept up and left a mess. Maybe next year if they do up keep on the tree and maybe they can continue. I think the firefighters made a right choice to back out, but still sad.