If you’re gathered around the fireplace on Christmas Day, and find yourself ankle-deep in wrapping paper, you should keep the two as far apart as possible.

That’s the advice from Knoxville Fire Chief Cal Wyman; he tells KNIA/KRLS News it’s dangerous to use the fireplace to dispose of wrapping paper by burning it.

“Your fireplace is designed for wood; that’s what they’re designed to do,” Wyman says.

Wrapping paper, ribbons and other gift leftovers are best disposed of by recycling; they should at least be discarded in the trash, and kept out of the hearth.

And if you have a fire going while unwrapping, you should also close the screen or otherwise guard against any loose sparks getting into the pile of paper.