A house fire any time of year is a tragedy.  A fire during the holidays can be even more devastating.

Unfortunately, all those decorations, burning candles, and of course, the  Christmas tree itself, natural or artificial, are the top three contributors to holiday fires, according to Hays Fire Chief Gary Brown.

“Be extra vigilant this time of year.  Carry out all the boxes and wrapping paper as soon as you’ve opened all the Christmas gifts.  And remember,  even if you don’t smoke, a holiday guest may,” he says.

Thanks to a donation by Dick Werth at Auto World, the Hays Fire Department has free carbon monoxide and smoke alarms for residents who can’t afford them.