• Space heaters remain one of the most common causes of heating-related fires and fire deaths
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is another serious hazard during the winter months
• For more fire safety information and heating safety tips, visit detroitmi.gov/fire or follow the Detroit Fire Department on social media
   

As temperatures fall and furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters come back into use across the city, the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) urges residents to take simple but crucial steps to stay safe during the home heating season.

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires and home fire deaths nationwide, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Each winter, Detroit firefighters respond to many fires involving heating equipment—fires that are often devastating, but preventable.

“Space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating equipment make our homes comfortable during the coldest months,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “But they also bring real risks if not used or maintained safely. Our firefighters stand ready to protect you if an emergency arises—but we’d much rather you stay safe and never need to make that call. Fire safety education is one of the most important parts of our mission because every fire prevented means lives and property saved."

Captain Edward Davis of Detroit's Fire Marshal Division explains the possible dangers around using a fireplace, such as not having a screen to prevent embers from kicking out and having furniture and rugs too close to the flame. 
 

Space Heaters: A Leading Cause of Home Heating Fires

Space heaters remain one of the most common causes of heating-related fires and fire deaths. Nationally, they account for most fatal home heating fires, and Detroit is no exception.

The Detroit Fire Department is urging all residents to handle space heaters with care:

• Place space heaters on a flat, stable surface, never on tables or furniture.
• Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn—curtains, bedding, clothing, furniture, and paper products.
• Create a five-foot “kid-and-pet-free zone” around every space heater.
• Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, not a surge protector or extension cord, to avoid overheating and electrical fires.
• Turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Keep heaters clear of walkways and never block an exit.

“These simple steps save lives,” said Simms. “We’ve seen too many tragedies caused by a heater left too close to something flammable or plugged into the wrong type of outlet. It only takes a moment for a small mistake to turn into a devastating fire.”

Captain Davis stresses a carbon monoxide detector should be placed approximately 15 feet from a furnace, and not closer to avoid a false positive. 
 

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is another serious hazard during the winter months. This invisible, odorless gas can be deadly when heating systems, furnaces, or fuel-burning appliances malfunction or are used improperly.

DFD urges residents to follow these life-saving CO safety tips:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms low to the ground, near gas furnaces, dryers, or heaters.
• Test CO detectors monthly and replace them every 5–7 years.
• As tempting as it is, avoid using a stove, oven, or grill as a heat source.
• Keep gas and charcoal grills outdoors only—never in garages or enclosed spaces.
• Hire only qualified professionals to inspect or repair heating systems, fireplaces, and chimneys.

“People often assume that if their furnace or fireplace worked fine last year, it’s safe this year—but that’s not always the case,” said Fire Marshal Don Thomas. “Take the time to have your systems inspected before the season starts. Look out for warning signs like strange smells, flickering pilot lights, or soot buildup. These can indicate problems that need professional attention. Prevention and early detection save lives.”

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are your first line of defense in the event something does go wrong. Captain Davis shows Ms. Boyer how to test her smoke alarm to ensure it's working properly, something we encourage residents to do monthly. 
 

Know the Facts

• Heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires in the United States and causes nearly one in five home fire deaths, according to the NFPA.
• Half of all home heating fires occur during December, January, and February—the coldest months of the year.
• Space heaters are responsible for four out of five home heating fire deaths.
• Across the U.S., nearly eight out of ten home fire deaths caused by heating equipment involve stationary or portable space heaters.
• In Detroit, firefighters have seen these statistics play out firsthand. From fires sparked by a space heater too close to a curtain, to families poisoned by carbon monoxide when a furnace malfunctions, the message is clear: a few moments of caution can prevent tragedy.

DFD’s Ongoing Commitment to Fire Safety Education

The Detroit Fire Department continues to lead proactive efforts to keep residents informed and safe. Through its Community Risk Reduction, Fire Prevention, and Public Education initiatives, DFD regularly partners with schools, neighborhood groups, and senior centers to spread awareness about safe heating practices and emergency preparedness.

“Every year, our firefighters and fire prevention teams see the consequences of unsafe heating firsthand,” said Simms. “But we also see the power of education—families who learned how to use equipment safely, who checked their alarms, who had escape plans ready. That’s why we’ll keep working to educate our residents.”

Residents are encouraged to check their smoke and CO alarms, replace batteries if needed, and review home escape plans with all family members.

For more fire safety information and heating safety tips, visit detroitmi.gov/fire or follow the Detroit Fire Department on social media.