Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Published on January 11, 2013

By the numbers: Heating fires

Here are some statistics from NFPA's report, “Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment," by John R. Hall, Jr., September 2012.

Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (32%) of home heating fires and four out of five (80%) of home heating fire deaths.
The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (26%) was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (51%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
Home heating fires peak during 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and associated deaths peak during 2:00 to 4:00 a.m.

The United State Fire Administration (USFA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires. Holiday decorations and winter storms that can interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources also contribute to the increased risk of fire in winter. Winter fires can be prevented! Learn more about maintaining a fire-safe home this winter season at USFA's website.

Winter fire safety tips from NFPA
A focus on heating safety

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. According to NFPA's Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment report, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 57,100 reported home structure fires in 2010, resulting in 490 civilian deaths, 1,530 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage.

Take a few minutes and read our heating (PDF, 634 KB) and new portable fireplace (PDF, 470 KB) tip sheets, and make sure your home is safe this winter. NFPA also offers 10 tips to check off your list (PDF, 352 KB) and get ahead of the winter freeze.

For kids and families
Put a freeze on winter fires with a fun family activity

The days are shorter, the outside temperature is lower, and in some places it’s cold, icy, and snowy. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in season and a time to think about home heating safety. Download Sparky's home heating safety checklist (PDF, 249 KB) and hang it on your refrigerator to remind every member of your family to stay safe and warm this (and every!) winter.

Keeping Your Community Safe and Warm
A community outreach kit

Our greatest defense against heating equipment fires is education. That’s why NFPA has developed an online toolkit filled with the resources you need to conduct a heating safety awareness campaign in your community. You’ll find press releases, letters to the editor, op/eds, print ads, easy-to-read flyers for residents in both English and Spanish, facts about heating fires, safety tips and more. Everything you need at your fingertips!