Unwatered Christmas tree takes just five seconds to set your living room ablaze
A SHOCKING video from fire experts shows how an unwatered Christmas tree can engulf a room in just 23 seconds.
Real fir trees in the home can easily set alight by accident by faulty decorations or candles which are placed too close.
Last month the CPSC said: “From 2014 to 2016, there were about 100 Christmas tree fires and about 1,100 candle fires that resulted in 10 deaths, 150 injuries, and nearly $50million (£38.4million) in property damage each of those years.”
How to make sure your tree isn't a fire hazard
HOW to make sure your Christmas tree isn't a fire hazard
When buying a tree
When you select a tree you need to look out for a number of signs to make sure it is fresh.
Needles on the tree should be green and hard to pull from branches and the trunk should be sticky to touch.
If needles fall off then the tree may have been cut for too long and may be a fire hazard.
How to care for a Christmas tree
Do not put it near a heat source, such as an air vent or fireplace, as this will dry out the free quicker.
Be careful is smoking inside near the tree.
Do not drop or flick cigarette ash near the tree.
Do not put your tree up too early or leave it up too long. Keep the stand filled with water at all times.
The safety expert added: “Make sure your live Christmas tree stays well-watered throughout the holiday season.
"If you’re buying an artificial tree, look for the “Fire Resistant” label.