Common Causes of Winter House Fires

The coldest time of the year is actually the most dangerous for house fires. According to a study by the UnitedStates Fire Administration, even though the total number of fires decreases during the winter months, the number of “structural fires” rises. There are a number of different reasons for this.

The most common causes of winter home fires are:

Cooking

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires all year long. In the winter, people tend to cook more and for longer periods. Deep-fryers used for cooking turkeys and other holiday meals cause proportionality more fires (and injuries.)

Heating

Home heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. Space heaters are involved in about 40% or winter fires. Common causes of space heating home fires are lack of regular cleaning, failure to give heaters sufficient space and placing them too close to combustibles; basic flaws in the design of wood-burning heating equipment; and fuel spills.

Candles

Over the last decade, candle fires have tripled; more than 40% of U.S. home candle fires begin in the bedroom. Interestingly, in one-third of all fatal home candle fires, the candles were being used for light because the power to the home had been shut off due to nonpayment or a temporary power outage. But Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are the peak days from home candle fires.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees become increasing flammable as they dry out in your home; nearly 40 percent of home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January.  The leading type of equipment involved in the ignition of Christmas trees were lights, cords, and plugs.

Generators

Winter storms can lead to downed power lines, prompting homeowners to resort to alternative heating methods that could spark fires. The improper use of portable generators can be risky with most common dangers are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. 

Electrical

Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans and portable or stationary space heaters. More time at home in the winter increase the overall incidences.

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