The tree is decorated, the mistletoe hung, and visions of sugar plum fairies have set your heart aglow. For most of us, the holidays will be filled with wonder and joy, but for hundreds of families across the U.S., the season will go up in flames. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 240 house fires are started by flaming Christmas trees causing death, injuries, and over $13 million in property losses each year.

If you've never seen a Christmas tree catch on fire, it's a sight that will send chills down your spine. In a matter of mere seconds, the entire tree is alight with flames shooting up to the ceilings. If the tree is dry, the effect is nearly instantaneous. Unfortunately, these fires, though relatively rare, are serious. Damage isn't limited to the tree and the gifts beneath it; with shooting flames and intense heat, these fires quickly spread, engulfing the home and often resulting in death. The NFPA reports that one out of fifteen reported x-mas trees resulted in a fatality.

While the Victorian tradition of using lighted candles to light the tree has all but disappeared, Christmas trees remain vulnerable. What causes these iconic symbols of the season to burn? Hundreds of x-mas trees burn the dreams of a new year annually because of too much wiring. Overloading the circuits may brighten your home, but the price of a glittering tree isn't worth the risk. Don't overdo it.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires As with most things, prevention is the best remedy. You can reduce your risk of becoming the next family to suffer from the devastation of Christmas tree fires by following these tips and using common sense. Most of these tips apply to artificial and natural holiday trees.

Use lights designed for indoor use only and make sure that they have been approved by a testing lab. Follow all directions from the manufacturer and make sure that the cords are in good condition with no fraying. Check to be sure bulbs are properly connected - no loose or missing bulbs allowed! Limit the number of strands. For example, if you have strands containing the push-in style of bulb, three strands is the upper limit.

No matter how lovely a Victorian tree decorated with real candles may be, DON'T do it. In addition, if you use decorative candles elsewhere in the home, use with care and keep them far away from your Christmas tree. Be vigilant about caring for your tree. This includes keeping fresh trees watered and moist at all times, keeping children and pets from tampering with (or chewing on) the cords, and unplugging the lights when you are away from home or heading to bed.

If your tree is dry and shedding its needles, remove it from your home and dispose of it - even if Christmas hasn't yet arrived. Buying a replacement tree may seem like an unnecessary expense and hassle, but it's preferable to a house fire. - Consider reducing the length of time you have a tree in your home. The Christmas season is getting longer with many families putting up their tree as soon as the Thanksgiving table has been cleared and keeping it in their home through New Year's.

Consider a new tradition where the tree doesn't go up until December 20th and comes down on the 27th. Instead of forcing a Christmas tree to last for five to six weeks with the tree drying out rapidly in the final days, you'll reduce your exposure dramatically. Make sure to select a fresh-cut tree over one that's been sitting on the tree lot for six weeks or use an artificial tree.

The tradition of bringing Christmas trees into the home dates back hundreds of years. By exercising care and remaining vigilant in preventing Christmas tree fires, you can keep the spirit of the season burning - not your home.