Bone-chilling temperatures have arrived, and the Detroit Fire Department wants to remind residents of critical 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. Each winter, Detroit firefighters respond to devastating, but often preventable, fires involving heating equipment.
“Space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating equipment make our homes comfortable during the coldest months. But, they also bring real risks if not used or maintained safely,” Detroit’s Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
The department is sharing home heating safety reminders on the heels of two deadly house fires in the city within two days.
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.
Here are some DFD tips to stay safe this winter:
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 a 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.
Carbon monoxide awareness
- Install carbon monoxide alarms low to the ground, near gas furnaces, dryers, or heaters.
- Test carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace them every 5 to 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 qualified professionals to inspect or repair heating systems, fireplaces, and chimneys.
DFD fire safety education
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,” Simms said. “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.”
Residents are encouraged to check their smoke and carbon monoxide 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, watch DFD safety videos on YouTube, or follow the Detroit Fire Department on social media.