The Los Angeles County Fire Department recently shared holiday fire safety tips to keep homes safe from preventable fires.

“The holiday season is a joyous time, filled with beautifully decorated trees and houses draped in festive lights,” said the department in a statement. “But every year, dry Christmas trees, holiday lights and candles cause hundreds of house fires.”

Officials are advising Santa Clarita residents to keep Christmas trees and other holiday decorations away from heat sources to reduce the risk of fires.

While families are choosing a tree, it is important to keep certain tips in mind to avoid a tragedy.

• Aim for a green and fresh tree. Keep it away from fireplaces and other heat sources.
• Water the tree regularly to keep it green.
• Choose a fire-resistant model when buying an artificial tree

“A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree,” said officials.

Although it may seem like Christmas trees pose the only risk of fire during the holidays, lights and candles offer their own dangers.

“Before hanging your lights every year, check for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear,” said officials.

Wires should also not be warm to the touch during use, or linked to more than three strands of lights, unless the directions state that it is safe to do so, according to the department.

Also, decorations should not be placed in front of exits. In case of an emergency, having a clear route of escape can make a difference, according to officials.

And while at the end of the celebration there tends to be wrapping paper all around the Christmas tree, the department advises to throw it away instead of finding another alternative.

“Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace, as it may cause dangerous sparks and embers that can lead to a chimney fire,” said officials.

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