It’s time to get your Christmas lights out of storage, and when you do, check each strand carefully to make sure there aren’t any frays in the wiring. An arc from a frayed wire can burn at 1800 to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can ignite your tree or the eves and awnings of your home. Reno Fore Marshal Trey Palmer says avoid the quick fix.

Instead, throw them away and purchase new ones.