The winter holidays are a common time for structure fires, and South County Fire and Rescue offers the following safety tips:

Candle safety

• Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles.
• Extinguish candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Keep lit candles away from curtains, decorations, a Christmas tree, paper and other items that can burn.
• Use sturdy candleholders that do not tip and are made of materials that cannot burn. Make sure candleholders are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Keep lit candles away from pets and children.

Christmas trees

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed.
• Place the tree at least three feet away from a heat source like a fireplace, heater or light.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Water the tree daily.
• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• After Christmas, get rid of your tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home, garage or placed outside near the home.

Fireplace safety

• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out.
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace.
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
• Put ashes outside in a metal container with a lid, at least three feet from your home.
• Have your chimney cleaned out and inspected each year by a professional.