The risks involved with live Christmas trees extend past the holiday season with a news release from fire officials urging Ohioans to keep fire safety in mind when removing live trees from their homes. 

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal's release reminds residents that dried-out trees can potentially become a dangerous fire hazard.

"The longer a real tree stays indoors, the dryer it gets and the more dangerous it becomes," State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. "Dry trees burn hot and fast."

Reardon also states that property and lives are at risk when dealing with trees catching fire. 

"If they catch fire, everything around them is at risk," Reardon stated. "We strongly urger Ohioans to start the new year safely by getting those real trees out of their homes, garages, or porches and dispose of them in a safe and responsible manner."

A study done by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that 24% of Christmas tree fires began due to bulbs or lamps. The NFPA reports that there is an average of more than 140 fires each holiday season started by Christmas trees.

The news release advises residents to check with local communities to learn how to safely dispose of trees properly, stating that many areas have tree recycling programs or drop-off programs.

Ohio State Fire Marshal's encourage trees be well-watered and to check the water level daily to not let the tree dry out.