Fireplaces have been used for centuries and are a great way to add warmth and ambiance to any home, but there will always be special considerations when using an open flame to create heat. During the coldest months of the year, when we see the largest share of home heating fires, it’s critical that people understand when and where home heating fires tend to happen so that they can take the needed steps to minimize those risks.Ĭontributing to almost half of these fires are household fireplaces and the associated chimneys. January is the leading month for home heating fires one-fifth (20 percent) of all home heating fires happen during this month.Īccording to NFPA’s latest heating equipment statistics, there was an annual average of 48,530 home heating fires between 20, resulting in an estimated 500 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage. home fires during the months of December, January, and February, when nearly half (48 percent) of all U.S. Home heating equipment is the leading cause of U.S.
