Winter months increase the risk of structure fires

During the winter months, the use of electricity and heating increases — this also escalates the risk of structure fires.

In an email, Debby Dobson, division chief, and district education officer for Spokane County Fire District 3, said most structure fires occur because of additional heating appliances being used in homes.

“These fires are often caused by unattended cooking, overloading electrical circuits, damaged stove pipes, ashes placed on porches and other preventable incidents,” Dobson said. “We get particularly worried when there are extended power outages and the extreme temperatures which are common in this area.”

Dobson noted that Fire District 3 averages about four structure fires a month during the winter and these can range from chimneys and houses, to outbuildings such as barns and well houses.

Airway Heights Fire Chief and Spokane County Fire District 10 Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mitch Metzger echoed Dobson’s words about fires starting because of additional electricity being used in houses.

“People are using alternative ways to heat their homes in order to decrease their electricity bill,” Metzger said. “A person might bring in grills or outdoor heating devices indoors, which is dangerous because it can produce carbon monoxide.”

Metzger added that people will burn garbage in their stoves or chimneys, which release emissions in the air.

Medical Lake Fire Chief Jason Mayfield said his department has not responded to many winter fires this year, though “historically we see a surge in structure fires, which is largely due to weather.”

“Chimneys haven’t been cleaned out in several years and residents using space heaters not being safe with them,” Mayfield said.

Another risk is carbon monoxide, which is created when fuels do not burn. Heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide.

Dobson said her department emphasizes the use of working smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each floor.

Families should have an emergency escape drill in place in case a fire starts inside the home.

Metzger recommends that residents plow their driveways to allow fire trucks to get through.

“If it’s not plowed, there’s a significant delay because we have to shovel the snow to get through,” Metzger said. “If you’ve got to use four-wheel drive to get out of your driveway, a fire truck is not going to make it through.”

Another tip for residents is to make sure fire hydrants near their homes are clear of snow.

“We usually don’t carry a shovel for snow, so it will take a few minutes to clear,” Metzger said.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].