Officials urge caution as winter house fires increase

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- City fire officials said house fires occur more in winter compared to other seasons throughout the year.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January
and February.

The St. Joseph Fire Department has, so far, been dispatched to 33 fires since Jan. 1.

SJFD assistant fire chief Jamey McVicker said during the winter, there is an increase in fires because people are looking for alternative heating sources.

"Number one is when you do have to use an alternative heat, talking about space heaters. Please make sure there's no combustibles on or within three feet around it. That way, they don't catch fire, and make sure we're not overloading circuits. Please don't use extension cords," he said.

McVicker said smoking and cooking are also common causes of winter fires.

"We try to deter smoking with oxygen, especially that's not a good combination. If you're tired, please don't light up a cigarette," he said. "Cooking fires that kind of all year round, not necessarily holding on to winter."

McVicker mentions a few safety tips on how to protect your home from catching fire.

"Check your filters in your furnace. Make sure that all of your hvac is working correctly. We like to preach about the alternative heat sources and not have any combustibles within three feet or on it. The output of your electrical, please don't overload circuits, and watch out for extension cords.

McVicker said to please make sure you have a working smoke detector inside your home.

"That's our main thing, life safety. If that smoke detector can alert you to get out of the house that's on fire. That's our priority," he said.

SJFD responded to 40 structure fires in the last 30 days.