Watch How Fast A Christmas Tree Goes Up In Flames: Video

SOUTHFIELD, MI — The weather outside may be frightful. But that doesn't mean the fire is so delightful. It's Christmas tree fire season, and one in every 34 reported Christmas tree home fires results in a death.

"We don't want to be a visitor at your home during the holidays" Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee said at a press conference.

To fire up awareness of holiday safety hazards, Menifee and Michigan State Fire Marshal Julie Secontine shared holiday fire tips and conducted a live Christmas tree burning demonstration at the Southfield Fire Department.

The Southfield Fire Department bought two trees 10 days ago and staged them in model living rooms. One tree hadn't been watered since it was purchased, and one tree was watered every day. Fire officials ignited small sparks to show how fast a dry tree can burn down your home.

The answer? Really quick! The dry tree burned down the staged living room in roughly three minutes and forty seconds, and the fire reached temperatures of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the staged living room with the watered tree was pretty fire-resistant and emitted light smoke.

Before: The staged living room with the dry tree on the left and watered tree on the right.

After: Three minutes and forty seconds later.

The Southfield Fire Department extinguishes the blaze.

The dry Christmas tree room was toast.

Want to prevent your house from going up in smoke? The number one thing you can do is water your tree every single day, Menifee urged. Below are a few other tips to keep in mind, as Menifee warned, "Don't let holiday cheer turn into holiday tears."

• It's not just a tree that can make your house go up in smoke. Keep your eyes on that gingerbread-scented candle, too. According to Menifee, "The top three days for candle home fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day."
• Make sure a working smoke detector is on every floor in your home.
• Have a fire extinguisher close by and know how to use it.
• Don't position the tree so it blocks an exit.
• In case there is a fire, have an escape plan. For example, plan to meet your family outside at a neighbor's.

Photos by Mera McKenna/Patch