The flaming remains of a house as it burns down

House Fires

A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes. According to the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association, there were 47 home fire deaths in the state in 2023. The top causes of home fires include cooking, heating appliances, home electrical wiring, smoking, and candles. Home fires can happen at any time of year, but generally increase during fall and winter months.

Fire Facts

Fires Burn Quickly

In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. A home can be engulfed in flames in five minutes.

Fires Are Hot

Room temperature at floor level can be 100°F and rise to 600°F at eye level. Inhaling the hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin. The average house fire burns at more than 1000°F.

Fire Creates Darkness

Fire starts out bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Fire Is Deadly

Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy.

Protecting Yourself…

Home fire prevention

Home fires can be preventable. The following are simple steps everyone can take to prevent fires.

Two people cooking food

Cooking

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking food. Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time.
  • Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
  • Operate outdoor gas or charcoal grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher available.Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.
An electrical box

Electrical and Appliance Safety

  • Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
  • If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
  • Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
A fireplace in a living room

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

  • Inspect and clean wood-stove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
  • Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
  • Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to sleep.
A glowing space heater element

Portable Space Heaters

  • Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
  • Only buy heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory.
  • Check to make sure the portable heater has a thermostat control and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
  • Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room away from curtains and other flammable items.
Two children in super hero costumes

Keeping Kids Safe

  • Take the mystery out of fire by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
  • Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.
two people working on a computer together

More Tips

  • Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
  • Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors and in well ventilated areas.
  • Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.