Fire officials urge caution as winter fire risks rise

As the Christmas season enters full swing, the festive glow of holiday lights often masks a dangerous reality: Mississippi residents face a significantly higher risk of residential fires during the winter months than the rest of the country.

According to recent data, fires account for 11.2 percent of all emergency incidents in Mississippi—nearly triple the national average of 3.9 percent. With national statistics showing over 47,000 fires and $554 million in property damage occurring annually during the holiday season, fire officials across DeSoto County are issuing urgent warnings to residents.

Chiefs and spokespersons from Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, and Horn Lake warn that while Christmas trees and decorations pose risks, the primary danger in North Mississippi remains heating equipment.

Heating: The Silent Winter Killer

While national campaigns often focus on dry Christmas trees, local data points to a different culprit. State records attribute a significant number of winter fatalities to heating sources.

“Heating is a leading cause of fires,” said Malena Alderman, spokeswoman for the Southaven Fire Department. She advises residents to keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.

This “three-foot rule” is echoed by Olive Branch Fire Chief Bill Clark, who identified space heaters as the number one cause of fires in the winter. Clark emphasized a critical safety rule often overlooked: “Do not use extension cords.”

Hernando Fire Lt. Robert Ashe added that space heaters should never be plugged into power strips. “During this time of year, due to the cold temperatures, the use of space heaters being too close to objects inside has caused some of our fires,” Ashe said.

Horn Lake Fire Chief David Linville stressed that space heaters should only be on when someone is in the room. “Turn them off when not in use,” Linville said. “Don’t have a Christmas tree or other lights or fire sources on when the home is vacant.”

Electrical and Decoration Safety

Beyond heating, the influx of holiday decorations adds strain to residential electrical systems.

“Also, electrical fires are due to overloading electrical outlets or power strips,” Ashe noted. He recommends using LED lights to reduce load and checking manufacturer labels to ensure circuits aren’t overwhelmed.

Clark added that residents should inspect all Christmas lighting for wear and tear before hanging them and, like space heaters, never use extension cords for indoor lighting.

For those with live trees, the risk is time-sensitive. “If they have live trees, it’s important to keep them watered daily and away from heat sources,” Ashe said. “Discard the tree when it becomes dry.”

Cooking and Awareness

Nationally, cooking remains the leading cause of residential fires, with incidents spiking on Christmas Day.

“It’s recommended to never leave food unattended when cooking,” Ashe said.

Alderman agreed, noting that residents should stay in the kitchen especially when frying or broiling. “Turn off burners if you must leave,” she advised.

Preparation and Escape Plans

Officials urge families to prepare for the worst before it happens. This begins with working smoke alarms. Ashe noted that alarms are generally good for only 8 to 10 years before requiring total replacement, and batteries should be changed every six months.

“We recommend having an escape plan in place, just like fire drills at schools,” Ashe said. “The mailbox is a good meeting place for all occupants.”

Ashe also highlighted a unique holiday concern: visitors. “Make sure to know your address and have it displayed clearly on your home so we can quickly find it,” he said. “Families that come in from out of town need to know where they are at when calling 911.”

Additional Safety Tips from DeSoto County Officials:

• Generators: If power is lost due to ice, run generators outside in the grass—never indoors or in a garage—to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Pet Safety: Be wary of heat lamps placed too close to straw or blankets for outdoor pets.
• Roadways: When hosting holiday parties, ensure parked cars leave roadways clear for emergency vehicle access.
• Fireplaces: Have chimneys inspected annually to prevent creosote buildup and dispose of ashes in metal containers outside.