American Red Cross of Alaska Sees a Dramatic Increase in Home Fires in January

ALASKA, Jan. 29, 2024— The American Red Cross of Alaska Disaster Action Team volunteers have responded to an increased number of home fires this past week. Since January 1st, trained disaster volunteers in Alaska have provided comfort, care, and recovery assistance to more than 65 people after more than 20 home fires across the state.

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires — a risk that increases with this week’s cold weather and increased snowfall. Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space for all heating equipment.

This is critical because most home heating fire tragedies occur when flammable items like furniture, rugs and drapes are too close.

In addition, never leave space heaters unattended — as they’re involved in most fatal home heating fires.

If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes. And turn it off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.

Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.

Never leave a fire burning in the fireplaces unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.

Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, wood, and coal stoves inspected annually by professional chimney sweeps and cleaned if necessary.

You can also help your family stay safe by testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape drill. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download our free Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.