(LANSING) – With the holiday season here, it's also the season for greater fire risk.

Michigan State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer urges citizens to use caution as this is the peak time for home fires caused by unattended candles, space heaters, electrical problems with worn lights and dry Christmas trees.

A dry Christmas tree is extremely flammable and if it catches on fire, it can turn deadly within seconds, allowing little time for escape, according to Sehlmeyer. Check your tree's water every day and make sure the stand remains full of water.

The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. In many of the fires that occur during the holidays, people often fall asleep or leave their home with unattended candles still burning.

Remember to keep candles away from your tree, decorations, curtains and furniture that can catch fire. Always keep candles set up high to prevent them from getting knocked over by children and pets. Battery-operated, flameless candles are the safest option.

Check your smoke alarms and make sure they are in working order. Have a fire extinguisher available and know how to use it. Sehlmeyer says it is essential to have a prepared and practiced home fire escape plan, with two ways out of your home.