Home Heating Fires Spike in Winter

As cold weather settles in, fire safety experts are reminding homeowners that heating fires peak during the winter months.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly half of all home heating fires happen between December and February. Space heaters and heating stoves are the biggest concern, linked to the majority of heating-related fire deaths and injuries.

NFPA officials say winter also means more time indoors, more electricity use, and more cooking,  all of which can raise fire risk if safety steps are overlooked.

Simple actions like keeping heaters three feet from anything flammable, turning them off before sleep, and making sure carbon monoxide alarms are working can make a big difference. With winter storms and power outages possible, experts also stress using generators outdoors only and keeping vents clear of snow.