Village of Alvo

Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires.

Here is everything you need to know about keeping your family and home safe from fire this winter season!

Facts About Home Heating Fire

From 2017-2019, an average of 34,200 home heating fires occurred in the United States each year.
Heating was the second leading cause of home fires after cooking.
Home heating fires peaked in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 and 8 p.m.
Home heating fires peaked in January (20%) and declined to the lowest point from June to August.
Confined fires accounted for 77% of home heating fires.
27% of the non-confined home heating fires happened because the heat source (like a space heater or fireplace) was too close to things that can burn.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heaters.
Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
Always use the right kind of fuel for fuel burning space heaters.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.