South Burlington Fire Department, the United States Fire Administration, and the National Fire Protection Association recommend these safety tips to prevent winter home fires:

Space heaters need space; keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from each heater.

Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical or extension cords. Do not try to repair them. Do not put any furniture, chairs, or heavy things on cords.

Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. They are not meant for this purpose and can be a fire hazard. Also, carbon monoxide (CO) gas from natural gas, propane, and other fuels can kill people and pets.

Do not put your live or cut Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy candleholders that wont burn. Put them in places that pets will not knock them over. Extinguish them before going to sleep or when you leave.

Have your furnances professionally clean and inspected, as well as your chiminey or wood stove. Keep your vent pipes clear of snow buildup.

Ensure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of the home. These detectors should be hard-wired to the homes electrical system, with a battery back-up in case of a power outage.


Winter fires are preventable. Everyone should find out what they need to know to prevent a tragedy and have a safe winter season.

For more information about the causes of winter fires, winter storm fire safety, holiday fire safety, and tips that will help prevent fires in the home, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/winter and the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org/winter.