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 said checking furnace filters, making sure HVAC systems are working properly and not overloading electrical circuits helps prevent fires.

Additionally, when it comes to alternative heating sources like space heaters, McVicker said to not have any combustibles within three feet of the source, or even on top of it.

McVicker also urged having a working smoke detector inside each room of 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.

Over the last 30 days, McVicker said SJFD responded to a total of 40 structure fires.