Warning: Dry Christmas trees burn like a torch

We’ve all seen those horrific images of fire devouring the dry brush in southern California.

Imagine that in your living room.

A dramatic video from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows how quickly a dry Christmas tree can become a fireball. It underscores the importance of keeping the holiday tree well watered.

About 10 people die every year in an estimated 100 Christmas tree-related fires. Another 10 people die in an estimated 1,200 candle-related fires each year in November and December.

The number of emergency-room injuries each year is exponentially higher.

Property losses from holiday fires were nearly $58 million last year.

There are other dangers related to Christmas. The most frequent injuries involve falls. They accounted for 41 percent of the estimated 14,700 holiday-decorating-related trips to emergency rooms last year. Three people died from falling off ladders.

“Safety should be part of all your decorating efforts,” acting safety commission chairwoman Ann Marie Buerkle said. “Make sure your live Christmas tree has plenty of water, keep lit candles away from flammable items and use caution when standing on a ladder or a chair to hang decorations.”

The commission’s safety tips may seem simplistic, but there are a lot of distractions this time of year.

▪ If buying a real tree, get a fresh one. The needles should not easily fall off.

▪ Don’t set it up near the fireplace or other heat source.

▪ If buying an artificial tree, check the labeling for “fire resistant.”

▪ Don’t leave candles burning unattended.

▪ Check light strings and extension cords for cuts and fraying.

▪ Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. It can get out of control.

This story was originally published December 14, 2017 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Warning: Dry Christmas trees burn like a torch."