The St. John’s Regional Fire Department is asking residents to think fire safety over the Christmas holiday.

Those with a real tree should check it for freshness before purchase. The butt of the trunk of the tree should be sticky with resin and when tapped on the ground, needles should not fall off.

Water should be added to your live tree daily and artificial trees should bear a “fire resistant” label.

Any string of lights that has broken cords or loose bulb connections should be replaced and always turn your Christmas tree lights off before leaving the house or going to bed.