As some of the coldest temperatures of the season are expected this weekend, the Muscatine Fire Department is urging residents to take extra precautions with home heating, electrical systems and cooking practices to reduce the risk of fires during the winter months.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment remains one of the leading causes of home fire deaths in the United States. From 2018 to 2022, fire departments nationwide responded to an estimated average of nearly 41,000 home fires involving heating equipment each year, resulting in an average of 470 civilian deaths annually.
“When temperatures drop, residents rely more heavily on heating equipment, and that’s exactly when the risk of home fires increases,” said Muscatine Fire Battalion Chief Gary Ronzheimer. “Simple precautions, like keeping space heaters away from anything that can burn and making sure smoke alarms are working, can make all the difference.”
NFPA data shows heating equipment is the leading cause of U.S. home fires in December and January. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires year-round, while electrical issues rank third, with nearly 30% of electrical fires occurring between November and February. More than one-third of Christmas tree-related home fires occur in January.
“We see the same patterns every winter — space heaters placed too close to furniture, chimneys that haven’t been cleaned or overloaded electrical outlets,” Fire Chief Mike Hartman said. “These are preventable hazards. Taking a few minutes to check equipment and follow safety guidelines can prevent a tragedy.”
Heating Fire Trends (2018–2022 averages)
-
Space heaters and heating stoves accounted for 46% of home heating fires and were responsible for 76% of related deaths and 72% of injuries.
-
Kitchen and cooking areas were the most common origin of heating-related fires, accounting for 18%.
-
Fireplaces and chimneys, while involved in just 8% of heating-related fires, caused 27% of direct property damage.
-
Nearly half of all heating fires occurred between December and February.
Heating Safety Tips
-
Keep flammable items at least 3 feet away from furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
-
Maintain a 3-foot, kid-free zone around open flames and heating devices.
-
Never use an oven to heat your home.
-
Have stationary heating equipment installed by a qualified professional.
-
Schedule annual inspections for heating equipment and chimneys.
-
Turn portable heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed.
-
Use only manufacturer-approved fuel for fuel-burning heaters.
-
Use a sturdy fireplace screen and dispose of ashes in a metal container kept away from the home.
-
Test smoke alarms monthly and install carbon monoxide alarms. If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact emergency services.
Electrical Safety
-
Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
-
Keep cords out from under rugs and away from doorways.
-
Use extension cords only temporarily; add outlets if needed.
-
Contact a qualified electrician if you notice blown fuses, tripped breakers, warm outlets, burning odors, flickering lights or sparks.
Cooking Safety
-
Stay attentive while cooking and never leave food unattended.
-
Keep combustible materials at least 3 feet away from cooking equipment.
-
Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
-
Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
-
Maintain a 3-foot, kid- and pet-free zone around cooking areas.
“Our goal is to keep every household in Muscatine safe this winter,” Hartman said. “We encourage residents to review these safety tips and share them with family, friends and neighbors.”
More fire prevention tips are available on the Muscatine Fire Department’s Facebook page.
