The Scottish Fire and Rescue service have sent out an urgent warning this festive season - and its all to do with your Christmas tree.
In a shocking Facebook post by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in America, a video was shared revealing the devastating damage having a real Christmas trees could have on an individual's home if they are not taken care of properly.
The NFPA posted the one minute clip showing how quickly a fire from a dry tree can spread from the root of the tree to the ceiling.
It shows a spark ignite the fire from inside the tree and before you know it, within seconds flames and smoke fill the room - and this is all because the tree was dry and had not been watered correctly.
It took just over 10 seconds to fill up the room and by the 40 second mark, the tree completely smoulders amid the flames while toxic fumes fill the mock living room space.
Experts go on to compare this with a tree that is watered daily - and flames struggle to reach the same intensity in the same space of time.
The NFPA say that US fire crews responded to an average of 160 home fires that were started by Christmas trees on average per year and that on average, these incidents caused two deaths, 12 injuries and around $10 million (£7.5 million) in property damage.
Christmas trees can absorb around one to two litres of water per day with experts at B&Q suggesting that a minimum of 500ml of water should be added on a daily basis.
Scots are also recommended not place the real tree close to a heat source - including the likes of fireplaces, heat vents or candles.
The heat from these sources will result in the tree drying out, which could result in quicker ignition by heat, flame or sparks.
A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: "Christmas is a special time for celebration and should not end in tragedy because of the extra hazards that are present at this time of year."
You can watch the video here.
