GULF SHORES, Ala. — What may seem like harmless tradition can be hazardous. Christmas trees, warming fires and scented candles create the ambiance that is the holidays, but they also bring an element of danger into the home.

With the cheer of the holidays, celebrators tend to shy away from being weary while some make careless mistakes that may be costly.

More than 400 Americans die each year because of fires caused by holiday related issues, according to literature by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Fires also injure 1,650 more and cause $990 million in damage.

“Most of that is due to using live Christmas trees,” Orange Beach Fire Code Enforcement Officer Craig Stephenson said.

He said using a live Christmas tree requires careful consideration, and it starts with picking out a healthy tree.

A live tree should be fresh — determine this by shaking the tree to see if needles hold — and well watered. The trunk of the tree should be sticky. Live trees should only be displayed for two weeks to ensure it is healthy for the duration.

All of this is important because a dried tree will ignite easier than one that’s watered.

A safer alternative is the artificial tree. Current models are flame-retardant or inflammable. Older artificial trees may not have this safety feature; upgrade to a new version to ensure this.

If an artificial tree does ignite it will melt rather than produce more flames.

Stephenson said faulty electrical wire seem to be the most common cause of a Christmas tree fire. Do not connect more than three light strands to each other. Replace old lights with new ones that are laboratory tested and approved. Periodically check light strands, plugs and extension cords to make sure they aren’t hot. If they are there could be faulty wiring.

“Don’t ever leave holiday lights on unattended,” Stephenson said. “You never know what might happen.”

Candles are another holiday staple that shouldn’t be left burning unattended. Stephenson said it is even important to turn off exterior decorative lights at night.

Don’t set a tree close to a heat source like a heat vent or fireplace. Not only does that run the risk of starting a fire, it dries out the tree which makes it easier to ignite.

Fireplaces should have a glass front or screen to eliminate stray sparks. Clean out the chimney before using it at the beginning of the colder season.

Stephenson suggested conducting an Internet search of “Christmas tree fire” on a Web site like Google or YouTube. A video of how fast and easy a tree burns shows why it is important to be cautious with holiday decorations.

“It’s amazing how fast a Christmas tree will go,” Stephenson said. “If the tree is dry, within a minute it’s gone.”