VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – As you get ready to hang up Christmas lights and decorate that tree, remember the holiday season is also full of hazards.

Every year there is a spike in fires across the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver is now on pace to have more than 300 kitchen fires, most of which could have been prevented, says Fire Captain Gabe Roder.

“People sometimes aren’t doing the smart thing in kitchen. Don’t leave any pots unattended on the stove. If you’re cooking with grease or oil like we often do with woks or fondues, please be very, very careful.”

If you have a real Christmas tree make sure it’s watered regularly, and if you have a fake one, check that it’s fire retardant.
    
Have a spotter if you’re using a ladder to put up lights and extinguish all your candles Roder is reminding us to blow them out whenever you leave the room.
    
“Particularly when the power goes out, remember, if you’re going to leave a candle unattended in a room, it’s a very bad idea. When you leave a room, blow the candle out, candles are wonderful to have, but when you leave a room, please blow candles out.”

And remember to keep anything flammable — including gifts — away from space heaters.