MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Firefighters in Menlo Park, California demonstrated the do's and don'ts of holiday fire safety on Thursday. Like how a frozen turkey can start a disastrous grease fire and the explosive result of mixing burning oil and water.
They also compared how quickly a fire can spread in a watered tree, versus a dry tree.
Fire officials stress preparedness is key.
Harold Schapelhommen, with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, said, "Working fire extinguishers, working smoke detectors, a fire safety plan, all those different things that help people understand what to do."
Don't forget the obvious-- keep Christmas trees away from candles and open fireplaces.