Officials Urge Fire Safety Ahead Of Holiday Season

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – State fire officials are asking the public to be aware of the dangers of house fires ahead of the holiday season.

The Department of Public Safety says 2015 has already seen more fire deaths than all of 2014. So far, 46 people have died in fires this year.

Fire Marshal Bruce West says he doesn't want to see any house fires or fire fatalities during the holidays.

"We need people to be part of the solution by taking fire prevention seriously," he said in a press release. "We do not want anyone else to suffer the heartache that comes along with a house fire."

Officials shared some tips to avoid fires.

They include never leaving a stovetop, oven or space heater unattended; leaving 3-feet of space between heat sources (candles, heaters) and combustible items; and never burning wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Fire officials also encouraged homeowners to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.

Last year, nearly half of Minnesota's house fire happened during the cold-weather months.