Photo by Barry West
Higher heating bills aren’t the only problems people should be worried about in the winter months; an increased chance of house fires is also cause for concern. The coldest months of the year are also the busiest months firefighters see for house fires. December, January, and February are the busiest three months of the year for fire departments across the nation. The National Fire Protection Association says one third of all fires and fire deaths occur during those months. Officials say there are a number of reasons for the increase in residential house fires during winter months; one of those reasons may be the use of alternative heat sources. The costs of home-heating fuels and utilities have many residents searching for alternative home heating sources. Residents are using wood-burning stoves and space heaters, and homes with fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. While these are all acceptable forms of heating they are a contributing factor in many residential fires.
