Winter Fire Hazards: Everyday Household Items That Can Spark a Disaster

As temperatures drop, households across the country turn to heaters, holiday décor, and cozy winter routines to stay warm. But winter also brings one of the highest rates of home fires, many of them caused by everyday items most families don’t realize can ignite quickly.

At Disaster Pro, we want to help you stay safe, prepared, and informed—so here’s a breakdown of the most common winter fire hazards inside your home and how to prevent them.

1. Space Heaters

Space heaters are responsible for thousands of winter fires each year.
Why they ignite:

• Too close to bedding, clothing, curtains, or furniture

• Overheating

• Older or damaged wiring
  
  Safety Tip: Keep heaters 3 feet away from anything flammable and plug them directly into a wall outlet (never into a power strip).

2. Candles

Candles bring warmth and ambiance, especially during the holidays, but they are also a leading cause of home fires in winter.

Common risks:

• Left burning unattended

• Placed near greenery, décor, curtains, or books

• Knocked over by kids or pets

Safety Tip: Use flameless LED candles for décor, especially around holiday displays.

3. Fireplaces & Chimneys

A cozy fire can become dangerous when chimneys haven’t been cleaned or inspected.

Why fires start:

• Built-up creosote

• Stray embers popping out

• Misuse of fire starters or accelerants
  
  Safety Tip: Have chimneys professionally cleaned annually and use a screen to prevent embers from escaping.

4. Dry Christmas Trees

If your household brings home a real tree, it can become highly flammable within days if not watered properly.

Risks include:

• Dry branches catching fire from lights or candles

• Faulty light strings overheating

Safety Tip: Water your tree daily and unplug lights when you’re not home.

5. Overloaded Electrical Outlets

Winter means more plugged-in items: heaters, holiday lights, kitchen appliances, and electronics.

Hazards:

• Power strips overheating

• Outlets sparking

• Older wiring unable to handle modern loads

Safety Tip: Spread out electrical use across multiple circuits and replace frayed cords immediately.

6. Cooking Appliances

Winter holidays mean more time in the kitchen—and more cooking-related fires.

Most common causes:

• Unattended cooking

• Grease buildup

• Oven mitts or towels too close to burners

Safety Tip: Keep flammables away from the stovetop and never leave cooking unattended.

7. Laundry Dryers

Dryers are used heavily during colder months, making them another hidden fire hazard.

Why they ignite:

• Lint buildup

• Overloaded machines

• Blocked dryer vents

Safety Tip: Clean the lint trap before EVERY cycle and have vents cleared yearly.

8. Scented Oil Warmers & Wax Melts

Though popular in winter, these devices can cause fires if left on too long or if wax overheats.

Safety Tip: Use on a timer and never leave them on overnight.

If your home experiences fire, smoke, or soot damage this season, you don’t have to navigate the insurance process alone.
Disaster-Pro helps homeowners:

• Document and evaluate damages

• Ensure the full scope of repairs is recognized

• Advocate for proper remediation—including HVAC, contents, flooring, and structural work

• Guide you from loss to full recovery
  

  Stay Safe and Happy Holidays from the Disaster Pro Team