Each year, in the United States, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees.  Following the tips below can help make your holiday safer: 

• If you have an artificial tree be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• When choosing a real tree be sure it has fresh green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Before placing a real tree in the stand cut 1-2” off the base of the trunk.
• Be sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents.
• Be sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand.  Be sure to add water DAILY.
• Only use lights that have a label of an independent testing laboratory.
•  Get rid of the tree when it starts dropping needles.  Dried out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in a home, garage or placed outside against a home.

See attached link to a You Tube video comparing a fresh tree to a dried tree.