SPRINGFIELD, Mo -- Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it's time to put up the Christmas Tree. But be warned: there could be a steep price with beauty - dozens of house fires every year in the Ozarks are caused by Christmas trees.
If you plan to have a real Christmas tree in your house this holiday season, firefighters want to remind you of a few things.
Before you buy any tree, make sure you tap it to the ground. If a lot of needles fall, firefighters say get another one. Needles falling means the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
Make sure to cut the bottom of the tree about an inch so it can take water easily.
The tree should always have water. Some trees, depending on size can use a gallon of water within the first 24 hours.
With lights, make sure there are no lose connections.
Firefighters recommend not putting presents under the tree just yet.
Gifts can make a fire worse.
