Christmas tree felled by fire law

New regulations at first banned Christmas trees in public buildings

The official Christmas tree of the US state of Rhode Island has fallen victim to the state's strict anti-fire code.

The tree was dried with fans and sprayed with flame-retardant chemicals under laws enacted after a nightclub blaze in which nearly 100 people died.

But the 5.4-metre (18 foot) blue spruce turned brown, lost its needles and died - and a new one had to be found.

Governor Donald Carcieri told local radio that next year the state might get an artificial tree.

"With the new fire code, we're supposed to spray it, and apparently the spray killed it," Gov Carcieri said.

Requirement lifted

Finding a new tree for the state house proved complicated because the law requires a fire marshal to be on hand when a tree destined for public display is cut down.

Under Rhode Island law, Christmas trees are "flammable vegetation", and their display in public buildings is regulated.

Until 6 December, Christmas trees had to be treated with fire retardant. The state tree was first put up in late November. But that requirement has now been lifted.

"This one will not be sprayed," said a spokesman for the governor.

Rhode Island lawmakers overhauled the fire code after a February 2003 blaze at a West Warwick nightclub.

The fire began when fireworks apparently ignited soundproofing during a concert.