Winter Fire Safety

Day Three of Winter Hazard Awareness Week

Heating Fire Safety

Heating fires cause 10 percent of the identified residential fires in Minnesota. In 2001, cooking was the number-one cause of fires. Heating fires were number two, and arson came in third in 2001. Over one-half (63%) of all heating fires in Minnesota involved fireplaces or chimneys, and $5.3 million in damage to residential property was caused from heating fires in Minnesota in 2001.

Residential fires accounted for 87 percent of all fire deaths in 2001. The most dangerous place to be, in regards to fire, is in your own home. In 2001, careless smoking was the leading cause of fire fatalities in Minnesota, with 10 civilian deaths (21 percent). As of August 1, 1993, smoke detectors are required in every Minnesota dwelling that has a sleeping area.

During the home heating season, your home can be a cozy, warm place to spend the winter, but it can become a nightmare if you don't "Watch What You Heat!"
Safety around heating equipment and appliances is an important first step in reducing the number of fires that occur annually. Keep children and loose clothing at a safe distance.
Use a yard stick to measure the distance between anything that can burn and your home heating equipment. If you don't have at least three feet of clearance, you are at risk.
Always turn off portable heating appliances when leaving home or retiring for the evening. Be sure the fire in the fireplace is out before going to bed.
Have chimneys, fireplaces and other heating devices inspected by a qualified professional at the start of every heating season.
Use a sturdy screen or glass closure in front of your fireplace, and burn only clean fireplace wood. Never burn treated lumber.
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and test them monthly.
If you smell gas in your home, contact your local utility company or qualified professional heating contractor immediately, and follow their advice.
Install a residential fire sprinkler system in your home.
Inspect heat tape before using. Never thaw frozen pipes with an open flame.

Holiday Fire Safety

Holidays mean more time socializing with friends and relatives. In 2001, alcohol or other drug use was present or identified as a factor in 30 percent of all fire deaths (14 deaths) and in 60 percent of fire deaths attributed to careless smoking.

Remember neighborhood friends this winter. Keep your nearest fire hydrant clear of snow.
After holiday parties, check wastebaskets and furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
Place Christmas trees well away from heat sources and exits, and water them daily.
Do not burn holiday wrappings in a fireplace; it may result in a chimney fire.
Pay attention to cooking. If a pan is on fire, cover it with a lid. Water will only spread the fire.
Turn off and unplug all lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving your house. Buy electrical decorations that have been approved by a national testing laboratory. Avoid overloading outlets.

Candle Burning Safety

Place candles on a secure surface in sturdy noncombustible holders that won’t tip over. Make sure holders are big enough to catch drippings.
Keep candles away from children and pets. Candles should be out of children’s reach.
Keep candles away from combustible items such as curtains, books, and paper. Remember the "three-foot rule": Anything combustible needs to be kept three feet from a heat source.
Keep candles away from flammable liquids. Do not use a candle for light when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.
Avoid using candles during a power outage. A flashlight is a safer option. Avoid carrying a lit candle.
Remember to extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Never leave children or pets unattended in a room with a lit candle.

Additional Information

For more information, contact the National Fire Protection Association (800-344-3555) or your local fire department.