My opinion on any branches is the same, regardless of if it's in the 'risky' section or not. Provided it's treated properly and dried out VERY well, then it should be ok.
im lucky to live 2mins away from a big park so viv branchs ive got plenty, what i do to make sure they are ok is first i use some milton fluid soak it for a while then let them dry then if they are small enough i put in the cooker 100 digrees for about half an hour