(WSIL) -- Christmas trees add beauty to the holiday season but they can also be a fire hazard.
The National Fire Protection Association reports, on average, there are 160 Christmas tree fires each year in homes across the U-S.
But local firefighters say there are ways to keep from becoming a victim.
Murphysboro Fire Chief Steve McBride says makes sure your Christmas tree has plenty of water everyday.
It’s also important to do a fresh cut at the bottom to help it absorb water faster.
Keep the tree away from any heat source and perform a freshness test daily by touching the needles to see if too many fall off.
Researchers have estimated that for every 80 Christmas tree fires, there is one death.
For more information on how to prevent holiday home fires, visit the website.
