The holiday season for most is a time for enjoying family and participating in special traditions. Every year, however, an estimated 128,700 fires shatter the good cheer of the holidays throughout December, devastating families and their possessions.

The U.S. Fire Administration calculates that every year on Dec. 24, 25 and 26 alone there are at least 11,600 fires, causing over 80 million dollars worth of damage and 40 deaths.

Two years ago, senior Eric Russell experienced the devastation firsthand when his home was consumed by three holiday fires.

On Jan. 4, 2005, the den of Russell’s house was consumed, triggered by what was believed to be a Christmas tree fire.

After the fire department believed they had extinguished the blaze, the second floor caught fire at 4 a.m. the next morning. The fire department responded a second time and once again thought they had defeated the fire.

However, the next day, the roof ignited and was destroyed. When the smoke cleared, the Russell family discovered their basement had been flooded by the water used to battle the fires. The water froze over, solidifying the basement in a few feet of solid ice.

“It was devastating. We basically lost our entire home,” Russell said.

Despite the losses, the Russells believed there were some small miracles in wake of the disaster.

“My [deceased] grandma had quilted about 20 blankets, which were scattered throughout the house, but despite the damage, not a single one was burned,” Russell said. “Also, my granddad’s picture, located in the den which caught fire, was not even touched.”

The tragedy experienced by the Russell family is not uncommon. The U.S. Fire Administration predicts that each day in December there are at least seven Christmas tree fires throughout the country.

“The seasonal trees purchased each year can be likened to a potential bomb, ready to explode under the right conditions,” Brent Hayden, chief of the Daviess County Fire Department, said.

Nearly one-third of American households purchase a real evergreen Christmas tree each year. As these trees dry out, they become a source of fuel for fires.

Although ornamental trees are dangerous, the majority of the fires are a result of cooking. Cooks in the kitchen may find themselves distracted with holiday guests and last minute details. Unfortunately, these distractions can turn into fire hazards all too quickly.

Many blazes are also attributed to the use of candles. Many religious traditions utilize candles, which when knocked over, can ignite flammable objects such as trees and decorations.

In order to avoid the devastation of holiday fires, there are steps that should be taken to ensure your family is not at risk.

“Do not employ open flames in the home, spray your tree with fire retardant, use caution when cooking meals, always supervise children, and be careful when using fireplaces,” Hayden said.

This holiday season do not fall victim to the very real danger of a household inferno. Take steps to reduce your risk and remember: only you can prevent holiday fires.