Video: Holiday Fire Hazards

A natural Christmas tree can go up in flames in seconds. Here's what you need to know to stay safe this holiday season.

Gulfport Fire Chief James Marenkovic says people need to keep their trees watered and away from candles and other forms of heat. He suggests double-checking tree lights and recommends changing tree lights every year. Marenkovic says residents need to check all lights, on the tree and on the house, before putting them up.

"Lights need to be inspected each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up," Marenkovic said. "Only use lighting that is listed by an approved testing laboratory."

Marenkovic advises not to connect more than three strands of lights to one cord or outlet, unless the manufacturer's directions allow it. He adds that residents should not keep their lights on overnight.

Christmas tree fires are real and can happen. According to the National Fire Protection Assocation:

"Christmas trees account for 240 fires annually, resulting in 13 deaths and more than $16.7 million in property damage."

Chief Marenkovic says the Gulfport Fire Department responded to one tree fire a few years ago in South Pasadena. Other than that, they haven't responded to a Christmas tree fire in Gulfport in recent history. Marenkovic hopes that holds true this holiday season.

For more information:

The Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology provided a video clip that shows how fast a dry Scotch pine can catch fire.

"At five seconds, the fire extends up the tree and black smoke with searing gases streaks across the ceiling. Fresh air near the floor feeds the fire. The sofa, coffee table and the carpet ignite prior to any flame contact. Within 40 seconds "flashover" occurs - that's when an entire room erupts into flames, oxygen is depleted and dense, deadly toxic smoke engulfs the scene," according to "Christmas Tree Fire Hazards" by the U.S. Fire Administration.