As the holiday season begins, families across the country begin putting up their holiday decorations, including a Christmas tree.

Chief Jim Mitchell with Knoxville Fire and Rescue tells KNIA/KRLS News live Christmas trees are an extreme hazard. Mitchell says there are videos provided by the Underwriters Laboratory that show how quickly a natural tree can burn. He says residents should careful with what decorations there using and how they are using them. Mitchell says the easiest option is to use an artificial tree that can look just as good during the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Agency between 2011-2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 200 house fires per year which were caused by a Christmas tree catching fire. They caused an average of 6 deaths, 16 injuries, and $14.8 million in direct property damage annually. To hear the complete interview with Chief Jim Mitchell, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.