No matter what season it is, there are many fire hazards that have disastrous potential if they are overlooked. However, the winter months are a busy time of year for many fire departments due to the additional safety concerns that accompany cold weather. From an unmonitored fireplace to poor placement of electrical appliances, being mindful of common fire starters takes a small amount of effort - but it can prevent a big problem.

Many homes rely on the use of space heaters to keep the cold out, but these little devices are one of the most common causes of house fires. Space heaters should be placed far away from anything remotely flammable, including window curtains, blankets and bed sheets. Fireplaces are another heating method that should be used carefully; a fire can quickly get out of control if fueled with treated wood, plywood or accelerants such as gasoline. Although it might be tempting to get rid of leftover wrapping paper by tossing it into the fireplace, anything other than natural wood should be kept out of the flames. Even when using the proper fuel, a fireplace should never be left unattended while it is in use.

Now that the holidays are over, many households have gotten rid of seasonal fire hazards such as stockings above the fireplace and precariously hung Christmas lights. But many families tend to keep their Christmas tree up for a few weeks after the holiday. To prevent Christmas trees from becoming dry and extra flammable, people should water their trees regularly until they are disposed of.

Another common mistake made during the wintertime is using a chimney that has not been regularly cleaned and inspected. According to Rob Williams, fire chief of the Refton Fire Company, chimneys should be cleaned and inspected once a year. If a chimney is not cleaned, residual chrysene builds up from the smoke and increases the likelihood of a chimney fire. Williams warned that older chimneys should especially be inspected often, as many are prone to cracking due to being made from terracotta.

In addition to common fire hazards, local fire companies often respond to more accidents in the winter due to icy road conditions. Many back roads throughout the Southern End have sharp turns that can be especially dangerous when combined with even a little bit of freezing rain. "You don't want to go flying down the road at springtime speeds in the winter," Williams said. "If we do get snow, take your time driving and keep an eye on the weather conditions."