The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds residents to use caution as certain holiday lights and other decorations with line voltage can be directly linked to fires.  Here are some tips to follow for a safe holiday season.  When using an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-resistant.  For a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched.  Before placing it in the stand, cut one to two inches from the base of the trunk.  Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.  Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, space heaters or lights.  Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the room or going to bed.  After the holidays, discard the tree.  Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage.  Tomorrow we’ll go over using holiday lights.  For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit www.sfm.illinois.gov.