JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
With colder temperatures and winter storms impacting the area, Joint Base San Antonio fire officials are urging residents to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of winter-related fires and carbon monoxide incidents in their homes.
Winter months bring an increased risk of home fires due to heating equipment, holiday decorations, candles and power outages. To address these seasonal hazards, the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration are promoting the annual “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign, which focuses on prevention and awareness.
According to the NFPA, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during December, January and February, with space heaters involved in many of the most serious incidents nationwide.
“Most winter fires are preventable,” said JBSA Fire Prevention Inspector Marcus Armstrong. “Simple steps like keeping heaters away from furniture and plugging them directly into wall outlets can significantly reduce the risk of a fire.”
Candles also pose an increased risk during the winter months. Data from the NFPA show that December and January consistently see the highest number of candle-related fires, with Christmas Day historically marking the single peak day each year.
Fire officials recommend keeping candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn and using flameless alternatives whenever possible.
Carbon monoxide, often referred to by the U.S. Fire Administration as the “invisible killer,” is an odorless and colorless gas that can build up with fuels do not burn completely, commonly from heating and cooking equipment.
“Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because there’s no warning,” Armstrong said. “Installing and testing carbon monoxide alarms monthly is critical, especially during winter when homes are sealed up and heaters are running more frequently.”
Winter storms can further increase risk by causing power outages that lead residents to use portable generators. Fire officials caution that generators should always be operated outdoors, far from doors and windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Electrical safety is also a concern, as increased use of space heaters and holiday lighting can overload circuits and increase fire risk.
JBSA fire officials recommend the following winter safety tips:
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heat sources.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never use extension cords.
- Use heaters equipped with automatic shutoff features.
- Operate portable generators outdoors, away from windows and doors.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
- Have chimneys and vents inspected annually.
- Store cooled ashes in a covered metal container outside, at least 10 feet from buildings.
For more information on winter fire safety, visit NFPA.org/winter or USFA.fema.gov/holiday. Residents may also contact their local JBSA Fire Prevention Office at JBSA-Randolph, 210-652-6915; at JBSA-Lackland: 210-671-2921; JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: 210-221-2727.