As they do each year, Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District firefighters will head out after the holidays to collect Christmas trees.

For this season, the collection date is scheduled for the first Saturday of the New Year, on Jan. 4.

Officials ask residents to make sure the trees are removed from the stand and all decorations, including tinsel, have been taken off. The tree can then be placed curbside outside your home for free pick-up.

The collection starts early Saturday morning, so residents planning to take advantage of the free service should have their trees placed curbside by 8 a.m. on Jan. 4.

For more information, call the fire department at 838-7500.