Video Illustrates Potential Danger of a Dry Christmas Tree [VIDEO]

I don't think they're saying you should hose down your Christmas tree every night while it sits there in the corner of the living room. But it's clear that precautions must be taken when it comes to a really dry Christmas tree.

There seem to be stories every year about house fires during the holiday season. If it's not electrical (due to all the extra cords and wires for the decorations), then it's a burning Christmas tree that seems to be the culprit.

No members of my family have gone in for a real Christmas tree since I was a child. Yes, I think they're attractive, but they're also difficult to decorate, they shed needles, and, yes, they are a fire hazard. It's best to make sure any electrical cords are safe, especially near dry tinder.

This video put out by Alaskan firefighters in conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technology serves as a stark reminder of just how quickly one can lose a home if a dry Christmas tree is ignited.