Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Decorating for the winter holidays is fun but can lead to tragedy if you don't practice fire safety. Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy.

• Don't place your live Christmas tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
• Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
• Use only nonflammable decorations.