Fire Safety Tips For Christmas Trees And Holiday Lights

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – As we welcome family and friends for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, make sure that that the sparkle stays safe.

The tree is decorated and well-watered to keep it from becoming a fire hazard, but there are other potential dangers.

Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says if you're planning to gather around the hearth make sure the flue is open and clear of any debris and don't throw the wrapping paper into the flames after opening those gifts.

"Oh that's a bad idea, you want to make sure you dispose of the paper and those types of things the way you should, that means putting them in the recycle bin so they can be recycled."

Keep holiday candles and potpourri away from small hands and make sure the flames aren't near tree needles and before you head out visiting, turn off the holiday lights.

Reported By Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio.