A Christmas tradition for some households is putting up a live tree to decorate. However, there are some safety tips to keep in mind to prevent the tree from starting on fire.

Jefferson Fire Chief Jack Williams gives some suggestions on preventing fires with live trees in your home.

“Make sure that they (the trees) are not near any heat source (like) candles (or) an electric heater of some sort. Make sure that the lights are good and are in working condition before they are plugged in, (and) basically just keep pets and animals away from it so it doesn’t fall over into something that has electricity.”

Williams says another reminder is keeping live trees watered constantly to prevent the tree from drying out. Williams describes what could happen if a dried out tree starts on fire.

“Usually from the time of a spark or ignition, one minute to one and a half minutes worth to fully consume itself. Most of the time it’s going to catch everything on fire because the heat that comes from those trees is right around 1,100-degrees at the top, which can combust other materials in the house just from the radiant heat.”

Williams advises those using live trees to not overload an outlet or the plugs on the tree to keep it from starting a fire.