Given the holiday season and colder temperatures, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is reminding Michiganders to use extra caution, as this is historically a peak time of year for home fires.

Unattended candles, space heaters, worn decorative lights and dry Christmas trees all increase the risk of a fire.

“It is vital that all Michiganders follow basic fire safety tips to avoid tragedy this holiday season,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer said. “A dry Christmas tree is extremely flammable, and these types of fires can turn deadly within seconds, allowing little time for escape.”

Those who choose to have a Christmas tree in their home are advised to follow these safety tips:

— For live trees, check the water level daily.

— Keep the tree away from candles, space heaters and smoking materials.

— Use lights that are in good condition. Discard lights that have worn or tattered cords.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the top three days for home candle fires to occur are on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In many cases, these fires are caused by unattended candles left burning, either when the resident falls asleep or leaves the home with the candle left burning.

Residents should:

— Keep candles away from the Christmas tree, decorations, curtains and furniture that can catch fire.

— Always keep candles up high to prevent them from getting knocked over by children and pets.

It also is critically important all homes have working smoke detectors on every floor and in every sleeping area. As MI Prevention and the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society data on fatal fires and smoke alarm installations shows:

— 65% of fatal fires occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

— Michigan residents generally do not have working smoke alarms.

— Michigan residents are not escaping home fires due to a lack of oxygen and smoke inhalation. Smoke alarms are key to early warning of a fire and allowing the residents to quickly escape. Get out and stay out — the fire will only continue to grow, using up oxygen and producing thick black smoke.

This holiday season, Michiganders are challenged to post family safety messages or action items on social media and use the tag #MIPrevention.

— Make sure every home visited this holiday has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors by pushing the “test” button to check alarms and detectors.

— Help develop escape route options in advance for if a fire does occur.

— Close a door against the smoke if a fire occurs to increase survival time of escaping out a window or door opposite of the fire location.

— Escaping away from the smoke while closing doors as a barrier to the fire are important messages to share with family members this holiday.

For more fire safety information, go online to the MI Prevention website at www.michigan.gov/miprevention.