Lincoln Fire & Rescue reminds residents to be cautious of holiday fire hazards

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln Fire & Rescue reminds people to be cautious of potential fire hazards when decorating for the holidays.

LFR spokeswoman MJ Lierman said you can prevent fires by choosing a tree with fresh green needles and cutting two inches off the base.

“Make sure you’re watering it every day and monitoring that, so that your tree does not dry out,” she said.

Lierman said it’s also important to keep trees away from heat sources.

About one in five Christmas tree fires were due to a heat source being too close, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Several decoration fires in December are sparked by candles, FEMA reported.

Lierman said people can use battery-powered candles to prevent fire hazards this holiday season.