New Jersey fire officials are warning homeowners about the flammable nature of real Christmas trees.

Officials at the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville hosted a demonstration showing how quickly a Christmas tree can burn, and how quickly a fire can spread if the tree should catch fire.

“That cut Christmas tree will require and drink from a vessel underneath it about a quart of water a day,” says New Jersey Assemblyman John Wisniewski. “If you want a live Christmas tree, it’s important it keep it moist.”

The demonstration showed the difference between fires with homes that have a sprinkler system and one without a system in place.

Fire officials say that the United States has averaged more than 200 fires a year involving Christmas trees or faulty holiday lighting in recent years. Many of these fires have resulted in death or serious injury.