The Monmouth Fire Academy is reminding residents of holiday fire safety, especially now as they buy their Christmas trees.

On average 160, house fires were started by Christmas trees each year between 2016 and 2020.

Experts say now is a good time to check smoke detectors.

"Working smoke detectors in your home, that gives you the early alert if there is smoke condition or if there is a fire in the house," says Richard Mikutsky, of the New Jersey State Fire Marshal Office. "Don't leave cooking unattended, don't leave a fireplace unattended, don't leave candles burning unattended."

Electrical issues account for about 34% of tree-related fires, and 20%t of fires were the result of placing decorations too close to heat sources.