24-02-2025
Fluctuating weather can increase fire risk in Colorado
DENVER, CO (KDVR) — With the weather turning warm before the next round of snow, firefighters are sending out a warning: The dry conditions can increase your fire risk.
A Home Gnome study called '2025's Most Vulnerable Cities for House Fires' places Thornton, Lakewood and Aurora among the nation's most vulnerable cities for house fires.
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Colorado's stretches of high temperatures followed by snow storms create conditions that can be prime for fire danger.
'An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure and so whatever people can do to, you know, just be safe and practice maintenance and preventable safety tips in their homes, then they're going to protect themselves and their family,' said Aurora Fire Department Spokesperson Dawn Small.
The city of Aurora saw more than 300 structure fires in 2024, with 32 in January and 35 in March. Small said wildfires can be sparked by flying embers so homeowners should monitor any flammable items.
'Nothing that's potentially flammable or an ember catcher within five feet of the perimeter of your home,' said Small.
Most house fires begin in the kitchen.
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'You think, 'stand by your pan' — don't leave that cooking unattended. In the bedroom which is the second most common place that we see fires in the home, 'close before you doze;' close the door when you're going to bed to prevent that fire from going and entering into that bedroom,' she said.
It's also important to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable.
Aurora Fire told FOX31 that fatal residential fires are twice as likely to happen during the first months of the year.
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