Bangor -
Once you find the perfect Christmas tree, it's time to find the right place in your house to display it.
While the trees are a pretty part of the holiday, they can also be dangerous.
Christmas trees don't look scary, but they can be.
" It's not a high risk, it's not as much as a lot of people think, but you still have to exercise caution and use some common sense," said Jake Johnson with the Bangor Fire Department.
To make sure you're safe, keep the tree nice and wet.
" Especially for the first few days, better keep an eye on that water. It's especially true if you have small pets because a lot of times they'll look at that as a new water dish," said Johnson.
Christmas tree fires aren't common, but when they happen, they are usually very serious. Lights are the main culprit.
" The biggest, biggest cause is electrical," said Johnson.
Check your tree lights, making sure they are up to code. You should also never leave the lights on when you leave the house or go to bed.
It's also a good idea to think about where you're placing the tree. If it's near a heat source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or vent it could dry out quickly.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2006 - 2010, there was an average of 230 home fires started by Christmas trees.
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