NFPA Warns Of Home Heating Fires During cold Weather

With the frigid temperatures on the way for Sunday night and Monday night, the National Fire Protection Association is warning about home heating fires. According to stats from the NFPA, U.S. fire departments responded to an annual estimated average of 37,365 home heating equipment fires from 2020-2024…that accounted for 11 percent of all reported home fires. In those fires, there were 417 people killed and more than 1200 injured. Space heaters and heating stoves were the main culprits in those fires.

The NFPA has some tips to help keep you safe while trying to stay warm. Use space heaters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen in front of them to stop sparks from flying into the room. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters.

Also remember, if you are going to warm your car, make sure it is backed out of your garage first. Also, if you lose power and have a generator, make sure to keep the generator outside…do not bring it into your home. The fumes coming from the generator are toxic.