By Stephen Smoot
Each season brings its own particular brand of emergency and winter is no different. The rate of structure fires actually rises during winter. Colder weather often proves more dangerous for many working outside as well.
“It’s the time of the year when people start lighting their furnaces and heating their homes with wood,” explains Matt Shingleton, deputy fire chief for the Spelter Volunteer Fire Department.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires.” Shingleton shared that of 33 structure fires responded to by his department over the past 11 months, six alone occurred in November and 10 occurred during a cold stretch in March after an unseasonably warm winter.
“In the months where the temperature drops, we definitely see an influx,” he noted.
Many heat their homes with alternative methods, such as baseboard heaters, space heaters, kerosene. The NFPA says that these types of heating units cause one-third of fires, as well as “the vast majority of deaths.” Shingleton says that homeowners should remain “vigilant in terms of where they are at.” Many accidentally put flammable materials too close to the heaters.
Shingleton also says that those using wood stoves or fireplaces should keep a close eye on the buildup of materials inside of chimneys and pipes. These accumulations, called creosote, are composed of smoke, dirt, debris, and water vapor that form a flammable and sticky tarlike substance.
Structure fires also start from unattended candles. The NFPA states that these fire numbers peak in December and January with Christmas Day the top one for devastating events started by candles.
Shingleton last week shared on the department Facebook page helpful tips if a fire does break out in the house. The first priority, he explains, lies in getting oneself to safety if possible. Also, if it is safe to do so, he says “close the interior door to the room the fire is in on your way out.”
He advises to avoid bursting windows if possible. Open doors and windows give the fire additional oxygen, encouraging its spread. Smoke detectors should be installed and the batteries changed twice a year to ensure they remain in good working order. Homes with children should have a plan and even drills to keep everyone safe.
Last, working in frigid temperatures can cause injury or even death. Take care to dress for the weather if outside work must be done. Those who are older, have cardiac risk factors, or have had a heart attack should be aware that the danger increases with colder temperatures.
