State Fire Officials say fires caused by Christmas trees are not common but can be extremely dangerous when they occur and have issued a series of safety tips to avoid fires during the holiday season.

They say Christmas trees should be watered daily, kept away from heat sources, and disposed of quickly after the holiday.

For those who haven't picked out a tree yet, they suggest buying a cut tree that's as fresh as possible. If needles break off before bending in half, the tree is probably too dry.

Consumers should also follow manufacturer's directions when installing electric holiday lights.