NATCHEZ — The Christmas season in the Miss-Lou is one of decorations, food and celebration, but along with the fun of the season comes the added danger of fire hazards.

Whether it is cooking extra food, a Christmas tree or fireworks, this festive time of year is full of extra ways in which your house or yard can go up in flames.

Natchez Fire Chief Oliver Stewart said remembering to turn of the lights off on your Christmas tree is the first easy way to prevent tragedy.

“Always remember before you go to bed to take time to unplug your Christmas lights,” he said. “This will stop any chance of the tree catching on fire from the lights.”

Another problem with Christmas tree lights is the use of extension cords with them, Stewart said.

“Overloading extension cords is a major fire hazard,” he said. “Many people go buy $1 extension cords and plug as much as they can into it. The wires are too small to handle that much current.”

Monterey Fire Protection District No. 1 Chief Jim Graves said putting too much stress on an extension cord will cause a fire in a heartbeat.

“There is always one person each year who thinks one more plug won’t hurt anything, and the next thing you know, there is a fire,” he said.

Stewart said maintaining a healthy, watered tree is another way to help avoid a holiday fire.

“If it is a live tree, you need to keep it watered,” he said. “It can dry out and be even more of a fire hazard.”

Another fire safety tip is to make sure the lights you are using to decorate the outside of your house are made for the outside, Stewart said.

Graves also said to be careful with any fireworks you may use during the holiday season.

“You need to make sure you are extra careful out there this year,” he said. “It is still really dry, and fireworks are even more dangerous under these conditions.”

With the burn ban in both Mississippi and Louisiana just recently lifted, Stewart said being careful is the easiest way to avoid disaster.

“Always have an adult supervising children playing with fireworks,” he said.

Graves said keeping an eye on the stove and oven is always a good safety tip, especially when there are large groups over for the holidays.

“Too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the pudding,” he said. “You need to make sure someone is always watching the stove. Turn everything off after you have used it, and do one thing at a time.”

Stewart said anyone who is planning on deep-frying a turkey should also be extra careful.

“You need to make sure you maintain it and keep your eyes on it,” he said.

Stewart said holiday fire safety tips have led to a decrease in fire-related incidents over the past few years.

“People have been doing a great job. It is not like it used to be,” he said. “People have been more aware of fire safety, and it has shown.”

Graves said he hopes residents take the advice to ensure a safe holiday season.

“We want everyone to have a happy and safe Christmas,” he said.