House fires can be devastating, causing loss of property, injuries, and even fatalities. Understanding the most common causes of house fires and how to prevent them can help keep your home and family safe. Here are some of the leading causes and prevention tips.

1. Cooking Accidents

Unattended cooking is one of the top causes of house fires. Grease fires, overheating appliances, and flammable materials near heat sources contribute to these fires. Prevention:

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying or grilling.
• Keep flammable materials like towels and paper towels away from the stove.
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.

2. Electrical Fires

Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, and damaged appliances can cause electrical fires. Prevention:

• Have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring if you experience frequent circuit breaker trips.
• Avoid overloading outlets and power strips.
• Replace frayed or damaged electrical cords immediately.

3. Heating Equipment

Space heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces can ignite fires if not used properly. Prevention:

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects.
• Clean and inspect chimneys and furnaces regularly.
• Never leave heating devices unattended.

4. Smoking Indoors

Cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials can ignite fires if improperly disposed of. Prevention:

• Smoke outside and properly dispose of cigarette butts in non-combustible containers.
• Never smoke in bed or when feeling drowsy.

5. Candles

Candles left unattended or placed near flammable objects can cause fires. Prevention:

• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Use flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.
• Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, and bedding.

6. Dryer Lint Build-up

Lint accumulation in dryer vents can ignite and cause fires. Prevention:

• Clean the lint trap after every use.
• Regularly check and clean dryer vents and ducts.
• Never run the dryer while sleeping or when away from home.

7. Flammable Liquids

Gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids can ignite from heat or sparks. Prevention:

• Store flammable liquids in properly sealed containers away from heat sources.
• Use them in well-ventilated areas and follow safety instructions.

8. Children Playing with Fire

Kids playing with matches, lighters, or candles can unintentionally start fires. Prevention:

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Educate children on fire safety and the dangers of playing with fire.
• Supervise young children closely, especially around fire hazards.

Final Thoughts

Preventing house fires starts with awareness and proactive measures. Regular inspections, safe practices, and proper fire safety equipment can significantly reduce the risk of fires in your home. Stay prepared and prioritize fire safety to protect your loved ones and property.

If you have questions about fire safety or need assistance, contact your local fire department for guidance and resources.

As the colder days are upon us and we seek comfort and warmth, it is important to remember fire safety should be a top priority when using fireplaces and fire pits. While these items provide a cozy atmosphere, they also come with potential hazards if not used properly.

Fireplace Safety:

Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, a gas fireplace, or an electric model, safety is key.

1. Regular Chimney Inspections & Cleaning
   • If you have a wood-burning fireplace, Clean your chimney and inspect it at least once a year. Creosote, a flammable byproduct of burning wood, can build up inside the chimney, posing a serious fire risk. A professional chimney sweep can remove this buildup and check for any blockages or damage that could prevent proper ventilation.
2. Use Dry, Seasoned Wood
   • When burning wood, always use dry, seasoned wood. Wet or green wood creates more smoke and builds up dangerous creosote in the chimney. Avoid burning Christmas trees, treated wood, or any materials not intended for burning.
3. Fireplace Screens & Doors
   • Always use a fireplace screen or doors to prevent sparks or embers from escaping. This is especially important when using a wood-burning fireplace, as flying embers can start fires on nearby carpets, furniture, or even outside if they land on dry leaves or brush.
4. Never Leave the Fire Unattended
   • Always ensure your fire is completely out before leaving the room or going to bed. If you need to leave, extinguish the fire or close the damper to limit the airflow.
5. Keep Flammable Objects Away
   • Keep furniture, drapes, blankets, and other flammable materials at least three feet from the fireplace. A stray ember could quickly ignite a fabric or paper item if it’s too close.

Fire Pit Safety:

Outdoor fire pits are great for entertaining or creating a cozy ambiance in your backyard, but they also come with safety considerations.

1. Use the Right Location
   • Always place your fire pit on a flat, non-combustible surface like gravel or stone. Never set it on grass, wooden decks, or near overhanging branches. Make sure it’s a safe distance—at least 10 feet—from buildings, fences, and anything else that could catch fire, including shrubs or trees.
2. Supervise the Fire at All Times
   • Never leave the fire pit unattended, especially if there are children or pets around. Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the area or going to sleep.
3. Avoid Burning Hazardous Materials
   • Only burn materials that are safe and meant for use in a fire pit, such as seasoned wood or fire pit logs. Do not burn leaves, paper, trash, or anything treated with chemicals, as this can create toxic smoke and pose health risks.
4. Use a Spark Guard or Screen
   • If your fire pit doesn’t have a built-in cover, use a spark guard or mesh screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping. This helps minimize the risk of a fire spreading to nearby plants, fences, or even your home.
5. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
   • Always have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water or sand close by when using a fire pit. If the fire starts to get out of control, you’ll have a means of putting it out quickly.

Space Heater Safety:

Space heaters are an efficient way to warm up a room, but they must be used with care to prevent overheating or fires.

Following these safety tips, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your fireplace, fire pit, or space heater without putting yourself or your loved ones at risk. As the temperature drops and we spend more time indoors and around outdoor fires, remember that fire safety is a shared responsibility that starts with awareness and careful practices.

Prevent burns and scalds in the kitchen:

• Place objects so that they cannot be pulled down or knocked over.
• Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.
• Use dry oven mitts or potholders. Hot cookware can heat moisture in a potholder or hot pad, resulting in a scald burn.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove.

General first aid for burns and scalds:

• Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for three to five minutes.
• Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
• Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.

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To ensure space heater fire safety, always keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, and bedding, never leave them unattended while sleeping or leaving a room, plug them directly into a wall outlet without extension cords, and regularly inspect cords and plugs for damage; if any damage is found, replace the heater immediately. 

Key points to remember:

Placement:

• Place the space heater on a stable, flat surface at least three feet away from anything that can burn. 

Cord safety:

• Never run the cord under rugs or use an extension cord; check for frayed or damaged cords and plugs before use. 

Unattended operation:

• Always turn off the space heater when leaving a room or going to bed. 

Tip-over safety:

• Look for space heaters with an automatic shut-off feature in case of tip-over. 

Regular inspection:

• Check your space heater regularly for signs of damage, including cracked or broken casing, loose connections, and hot cords. 

Do not:

• Use a space heater near water
• Place a space heater in high-traffic areas or where children and pets can easily reach it
• Use a space heater with a damaged cord or plug
• Operate a space heater while wet 

Consider purchasing a space heater with:

• A built-in thermostat to regulate temperature 
• A safety feature that automatically shuts off the heater if it overheats 
• A tip-over switch that automatically turns off the heater if it is knocked over

Teaching children about fire safety is one of the most important lessons you can provide to ensure their well-being. Fires can spread quickly and unpredictably, so empowering kids with knowledge and preparedness can make all the difference in an emergency. Here’s how you can educate your children about the dangers of fire and equip them with essential skills to stay safe.

Understanding the Dangers of Fire

Children are naturally curious about fire, which makes it crucial to explain its risks in a way they can understand.

• Talk about fire’s destructive power: While fire can be useful (e.g., cooking or warmth), it can also hurt people, destroy homes, and spread quickly if not controlled.
• Set clear rules: Teach children to never play with matches, lighters, or candles. Emphasize that these items are tools for adults only.
• Use visuals and stories: Books and videos designed for kids can effectively illustrate fire safety concepts in an engaging manner.

What to Do in a Fire Emergency

Focusing on practical actions can help kids stay calm and act decisively if a fire occurs.

1. Stop, Drop, and Roll:
   • Teach children this simple yet critical technique to use if their clothing catches fire:
     • Stop: Stay still to prevent the fire from spreading.
     • Drop: Get to the ground quickly.
     • Roll: Cover the face with your hands and roll back and forth until the flames are out.
   • Practice this skill regularly so it becomes second nature.
2. Stay Low to Avoid Smoke:
   • Explain that smoke rises, so the safest air is closer to the floor.
   • Teach them to crawl on hands and knees if they encounter smoke while escaping.
   • Practice this during fire drills at home to build confidence.
3. Know the Escape Plan:
   • Involve your children in creating a fire escape plan for your home.
   • Show them how to locate two exits from each room and emphasize the importance of not re-entering a burning building.
   • Practice escaping as a family to ensure everyone knows their role.

Making Fire Safety Fun and Memorable

• Use games and activities: Turn fire safety into a learning game with coloring books, puzzles, and interactive apps focused on fire prevention.
• Visit your local fire station: Many fire departments offer tours and educational programs for kids to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety equipment.
• Reward learning milestones: Celebrate when children remember key fire safety rules or demonstrate their skills during a drill.

Reinforce Safety Around the Home

• Install smoke alarms: Let kids hear the sound of the alarm so they know what it means.
• Teach 911 basics: Ensure children know how to call for help and provide their address in an emergency.
• Model safe behavior: Set a good example by practicing safe cooking, properly storing flammable materials, and extinguishing candles or fires responsibly.

Why Fire Safety Education Matters

Fires can happen unexpectedly, but by teaching your children the dangers of fire and how to respond, you’re giving them the tools to protect themselves. These lessons could save lives and help your kids feel more confident in emergency situations.

For additional resources or assistance in teaching children fire safety, contact your local fire department or visit trusted online safety organizations. Together, we can ensure that our children grow up safe, informed, and ready to respond in case of fire emergencies.

Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. As you stay cozy and warm this winter, be fire smart!

Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February.

1 in every 7 home fires and 1 in every 5 home fire deaths involves heating equipment.

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters.

Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away from your home as possible.

Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.

Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.

Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year.

Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.

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It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.

Almost half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.

Think about using battery-operated flameless candles.

Christmas is the peak day for candle fires.

Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.

A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast.

More than 1 in every 5 Christmas tree fires were caused by a heat source too close to the tree.

Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.

Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits.

Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.

Download a printable fire here. 
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