Did you know that Christmas is the peak day for candle fires?

According to FEMA, half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles. More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.

You are urged to keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast. More than one in five Christmas tree fires were caused by a heat source too close to the tree.

Residents are urged to read the manufacturer’s instructions relating to the number of light strands to connect. You also are urged to make sure your tree is at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also make sure your tree doesn’t block exits.

For more information on how to prevent winter fires, visit usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/holiday.html and nfpa.org/winter.