Fire Safety During the Winter

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the 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!

Every two weeks during the winter season, USFA will highlight the leading causes of winter fires and provide safety tips that can help you maintain a fire-safe home.  The first featured topic is cooking, the leading cause of all winter fires.

By the Numbers: Winter Residential Building Fires

• Winter residential building fires result in an estimated average of 945 deaths, 3,825 injuries, and $1,708,000,000 in property loss each year
• Fires in one- and two-family dwellings account for 67 percent of all winter residential building fires.
• Cooking is the leading cause of all winter residential building fires.
• Winter residential building fires occur mainly in the early evening hours, peaking from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Although at its highest in December, residential building fire incidence is collectively highest in the 3 winter months of January, February, and March.