USFA and NFPA Collaborate to Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Because winter is the leading time of year for home fires in the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are collaborating to help prevent home fires in the winter months.

Through a jointly sponsored initiative – Put a Freeze on Winter Fires – NFPA and USFA are working to tell the public about ways to stay fire-safe this winter. The effort targets home heating and cooking, which represent the two leading causes of U.S. home fires.  Both types of fires peak in the winter months.

According to a recent NFPA report ("Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment" [September 2012]), heating equipment was involved in an estimated 57,100 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 490 civilian deaths, 1,530 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage in 2010.  As in previous years, space heaters account for about one third of home heating fires and approximately 80 percent of associated fire deaths.

The USFA’s report, “Winter Residential Building Fires,” shows that winter home fires occur mainly in the early evening hours, peaking from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

For more information about Put a Freeze on Winter Fires and tips for staying safe throughout the winter, please visit:

U.S. Fire Administration: Winter Fire Safety

National Fire Protection Association: Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Background information:

U.S. Fire Administration

National Fire Protection Association