Home fire danger increases in the winter. Here is how to keep your house safe
Home fires occur more in the winter than any other season, with heating systems being a leading cause of home fires and fire fatalities in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“I think there are a lot of variables that go into fire prevention, especially during the winter,” Bellingham Fire Department Capt. Dustin Michaelis told The Bellingham Herald in an interview.
On Dec. 22, a family of seven was displaced from their home in Sumas after an early morning fire that was likely caused by a malfunctioning electric space heater, according to Whatcom Fire District 14 Chief, Jerry DeBruin.
“It’s that time of year, where, it’s always sad anytime, but when you get around holidays it’s always really sad,” he said. “We have seen so much devastation out here with the flooding, and now you get a fire… everyone just needs to be careful, and I’m not saying there was anyone here that was not being careful, but it’s just that time of year when people have a lot of extra things plugged in… and that can put a strain on your electrical system, so everyone needs to be cognizant of that and cautious.”
He said if people are using extra heaters in their house during the cold weather, they should make sure to use heavy cords and extension cords. Lightweight cords have a tendency to heat up and can be the cause of a fire, DeBruin said.
“Obviously when the weather gets colder we are activating our furnaces and fireplaces … we recommend that everyone check their furnaces, replace their filters and make sure they are in good working condition. For fireplaces, people should have their chimneys inspected annually, and they should use their screens and glass doors to prevent sparks from popping out of the fire,” Michaelis told The Herald.
Most fires that occur with fireplaces and wood stoves are caused by a lack of maintenance, Michaelis said. This includes chimney fires and poorly maintained chimney stacks that move through attic spaces.
It’s also important to properly dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves, as the ashes can pile up and remain hot on the inside for hours and even days. Michaelis recommends storing ashes from a recent fire in a metal container, preferably stored outdoors. A lid is very important to prevent the wind from stirring up the ashes, he said.
“Nobody is ever really certain ashes are all the way out unless you thoroughly inspect them,” Michaelis said. “If you think they are cold, and they are not, and you put them in a cardboard box or your garbage, they may create a fire.”
It isn’t uncommon for people to find other, nontraditional ways to heat their home, which could prove dangerous. Michaelis said he has heard of people bringing barbecue grills indoors to heat homes. This is not just a serious fire hazard, but it can release carbon monoxide into the air of a confined space and poison residents.
Carbon monoxide is a clear and odorless gas that is created when fuels such as gas, wood or propane do not fully burn, according to the NFPA. Carbon monoxide detectors are common in most homes and can be found for about $20 to $30 in most stores.
People should check and replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months, Michaelis told The Bellingham Herald. The family who lost their home in Sumas Dec. 22 was able to escape without injury because of their smoke detectors, according to DeBruin.
Another device commonly used to heat a home when the power goes out is a portable generator. The most common danger with a portable generator is carbon monoxide poisoning, although electrocution and fires are also common dangers, according to the NFPA.
Christmas trees can burn up very quickly and very hot, Michaelis said. It is important to keep the tree well watered and check Christmas lights for any wearing or breaks in the cord.
People should then turn the lights off before going to sleep for the night. Keeping a tree watered can drastically reduce the time it takes for it to burn, according to the NFPA.
Candles are used commonly in the colder months, especially if the winter weather knocks out the power. It is important to keep them at least a foot away from anything that can burn and to never leave them unattended for any amount of time.
Cooking is always a cause for concern as it can lead to oil fires. During the holiday season there can be a lot happening in the kitchen and oil fires are common.
Michaelis recommends dealing with an oil fire by smothering the flames with a pot lid or extinguishing them with a fire extinguisher. Attempting to douse an oil fire with water will only worsen the situation.
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