Space Heaters Responsible for Nearly 1/3 of Home Fires During the Winter

Missouri officials are urging residents to take extra precautions as dangerous cold settles over the state for several days, increasing the risk of deadly home heating fires. Space heaters remain a leading concern. Fire safety experts stress that these devices are only meant to supplement a home’s primary heating system, not replace it. Anyone without reliable heat is encouraged to stay with friends or family during the extreme cold. AdvertisementAuthorities highlight that space heaters are involved in one‑third of all home‑heating fires and account for 80% of home‑heating fire deaths.