Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Got a Christmas tree yet? Got presents under the tree yet? Got a candle anywhere near the tree? If you do, don’t.

Something as simple as a candle could spark a big fire in your home if left unattended and whether or not your Christmas tree is real or artificial — especially if the candle is close by.

Officials from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office, and the Springfield Fire Department, among others, drove the dangers home during a news conference and demonstration Wednesday.

“Candle-related fires peak in December, and are followed closely by January,” said Michele Pankow, Illinois State Fire Marshal.  “In fact, more than half of home decoration fires in December are caused by fires.”

Pankow, says thanks to all the materials in your home that are flammable or oil-based, including artificial trees and furniture, you have less than three minutes to get out of your home if fire breaks out.  If you don’t water a live Christmas tree enough, that can also stoke a fire.

If candles cause a lot of holiday fires, Springfield Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk says kitchen fires are right up there.

“A lot of times, during the holidays, we’re cooking, family’s around, sometimes there’s alcohol involved,” said Plunk.  “A lot of these kitchen fires because of something left on the stove top unattended to.”

That’s why Plunk says there should always be someone in the kitchen when cooking is done.

State officials say two fires already this season state-wide have proven fatal.  Last year, there were around 12.

Using a demonstration trailer, officials stressed how quickly fires break out.  A fire can get out of control quickly, even before the fire department can respond.  That, and the materials used in decorations and furnishings, have prompted new homes to be built with fire sprinklers.  Officials say they can help protect live and property, even before firefighters arrive.

The following is a list of tips for people to keep in mind in order to avoid fires during the fire season, from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal:

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame retardant or flame resistant. Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles
• Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house
• Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use or both
• Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for number of light strings you can string together.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
• If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily! It is not unusual for a tree to drink two gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.
• Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.

CLICK HERE to watch a full fire demonstration.