Heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., with cooking fires being the most common. Portable space heaters are responsible for the highest number of heating fire-related deaths and injuries.
As temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing next week, many residents will rely on space heaters, fireplaces, and heating appliances to stay warm. Unfortunately, home heating fires often occur at the worst possible time—typically at night when families are asleep. The top safety recommendation is to ensure that working smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom and adjoining hallways. Smoke alarms greatly increase the chances of surviving a fire.
Heating equipment remains a major cause of home fire deaths. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments responded to an estimated 40,997 heating-related fires annually between 2018 and 2022. These fires accounted for 12% of all reported home fires during that time and led to about 470 civilian deaths each year.
The rising cost of home heating fuels and utilities has led many Americans to seek alternative heating methods, such as wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Over one-quarter of home heating fires are caused by improper maintenance and cleaning of heating equipment. Space heaters are responsible for four out of every five heating fire deaths.
Another risk associated with heating equipment is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, particularly when fossil fuel-powered appliances aren’t vented properly. CO poisoning deaths have been on the rise since 1999, with estimates as high as 700 deaths annually. Older adults, especially those aged 65 or older, are most at risk. Homes with gas appliances should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor to help prevent poisoning.
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