Residential fires increase in winter months, Roanoke County Fire Department says [Video]

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – October is fire prevention month and although hot temperatures have passed, the risk for residential structure fires could be ramping up.

According to Roanoke County Fire & Rescue, the number of residential fire calls they receive typically increases between December and February.

“One can only assume that’s because of home heating issues,” said Roanoke County Fire & Rescue community outreach coordinator Brian Clingenpeel.

DOF shares tips as fall wildfire season starts

Many people try to heat their homes using alternative sources such as electric space heaters and fireplaces.

This can be an effort to save money or to increase the warmth of the house.

When these alternative heat sources are not carefully monitored or correctly used, they can lead to fires.

Roanoke County Fire & Rescue says to plug heaters directly into the wall, avoid surge protectors and extension cords, and keep combustible items away from the heat …