Warm temperatures and wet weather made the first days of winter feel like spring. As temperatures cool down, however, first responders are offering tips about how to prevent accidental fires.

Half of all home-heating fires occur during winter months, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Thousands of structure fires per year are caused by heating equipment. Salisbury Fire Marshal Terry Smith provided statistics from the National Fire Protection Association that show hundreds die each year, and nearly 1,600 people are injured because of winter home fires. Close to $1 billion in property damage can be attributed to structure fires in American homes, according to the statistics

“While these numbers are frightening, nearly all of these fires are preventable,” Smith said. “We can reduce the number of home heating fires in our community be taking some simple precautions and using heating equipment properly.”

Smith said heating is the second leading cause of fires during winter months. Cooking is the first.

Smith and Rowan Emergency Services Fire Division Chief Deborah Horne offered fire tips as temperatures begins to dip to normal for winter months.

Horne said space heaters should be kept at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Smith said space heaters should also be turned off when not in use. Wood stove doors should remain closed while in use, except for when loading wood. Horne and Smith both said people should avoid using an oven to heat the interior of a home.

When using a fireplace to heat a home, Horne said ashes should first be allowed to cool. Home owners should never assume ashes have cooled, she said.

“Many winter fires begin when owners empty ashes that are even several days old,” she said.

Ashes should be kept away from a home or building in a metal container, she said.

Chimneys can also be a problem, according to Smith and Horne. Several recent fires in Rowan County have started because of improperly cleaned chimneys, Horne said. Chimneys should be cleaned, but only by a licensed professional, Smith and Horne said.

Heating blankets should be turned off while not in use. Additionally, the blanket should be flat and never bundled while in use. Horne said bundling can lead to heat building up between layers.

Detection devices are also an important part of fire safety. Horne said every building that uses wood, gas, oil or fuel oil for heating, even if only used occasionally, should contain a carbon monoxide detector. Batteries should be changed before winter months, she said.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home, Smith said.

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and outside sleeping areas, according to tips provided by Smith. Smoke alarms should also be installed on every level of the home, and be interconnected if possible. That way, Smith said, when one sounds, they all sound.

Families should also practice and plan a fire escape drill, according to tips provided by Smith.

Preventable fires aren’t just a concern during winter months, Smith said. Fires can also start because of faulty electrical equipment.

Smith said electrical equipment should be checked for cracked or broken plugs. Loose connections can also be a concern, he said.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.