Earlier this month, the American Red Cross of Utah issued a press release giving tips on how to make sure your real tree and other holiday fixtures don’t bring excessive light and warmth to the home.

“Christmas trees, holiday decorations and festive meals — hallmarks of the holiday season — can pose significant fire risks,” the release said. “In fact, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve rank as the second- and third-leading days of the year for home cooking fires nationwide.”

Michael Smauldon, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter, told the Standard-Examiner on Wednesday that a simple oversight contributes to most Christmas tree fires.

“The problem is a lot of people don’t pay attention to the dryness of the tree,” he said. “When that tree dries and people put lights and other heat sources all around that tree, that can spark a fire very easily.”

He said there are a number of things people can do to help mitigate the risk of a tree catching fire — starting from well before it enters the home.

“Before you even grab a tree, make sure you grab one that has green needles and the needles don’t fall off when they’re touched,” he said. “You’re going to want ot make sure that you cut the base fo the tree about 2 inches once you get it home. That will help open the tree so when you set it in the stand and water it, it’s going to continue to draw in water which will help keep that tree fresh and it’s not going to dry out.”

Smauldon said a user has to continually water the tree throughout the time that it’s up because it will dry out quickly.

He added that there haven’t been any incidents with Christmas tree fires in the region this holiday season, but this largely comes down to timing.

“We tend to get more calls on tree fires toward the end of December, beginning of January because it’s the end of the season,” he said. “People really don’t pay attention to making sure their tree’s watered or the dryness of the tree.”

According to the press release, other tips for tree safety include:

• “Position the tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters or candles.
• Ensure the tree doesn’t block any exits.
• Use only holiday lights certified by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Inspect light strings and connections for damage. Do not use broken or frayed wires.
• Turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving home.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Dispose of the tree safely after the holidays, especially if it has dried out.”