Subzero temperatures in Minnesota this week have state fire officials warning about fire dangers such as space heaters, fireplaces, and unattended candles.
70 Minnesotans were killed in fires in 2022, making it the deadliest year in the state since 1995. 59 percent of all fatal fires that year took place in greater Minnesota, accounting for 41 total fire deaths.
January is peak house fire season according to the State Fire Marshal's Office as more people spend time indoors, away from the cold.
"We've some increased fire risks in Minnesota the past couple of years," said State Fire Marshal Dan Krier. "Fire safety needs to be catered to your individual and family circumstances."
Among some of the basic fire safety tips, practice fire prevention, have a fire escape plan and practice it, and test your smoke alarms monthly.
"We always want to make sure we're paying attention to any open flame sources, no matter where it's coming from," Krier added. "If we're leaving a home, we want to extinguish any of those open flame sources."
An unattended candle is to blame for a deadly house fire that left four children dead in St. Paul earlier this month. In total, seven people were pulled from the home, six of them being children along with their mother.
Carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase during the winter time as well. CO alarms should be installed within 10 feet of each sleeping room, or inside each sleeping room.
More about fire safety can be found here.
