Richmond, VA — The Richmond Fire Department is reminding residents to prioritize fire safety ahead of the holidays after responding to a house fire over the weekend that resulted in two fatalities. This marks the second fire-related fatality incident the department has responded to this year and underscores the need for heightened awareness during winter and holiday activities.  

During the winter months, the risk for home fires increases significantly, with heating equipment, cooking, candles, and decorative lighting being common factors in residential fires nationwide. In addition, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly without proper ventilation or working carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke alarms, which can reduce the risk of fire fatalities in a home by more than 60%, should also be installed in all required locations and tested regularly. 

“Any loss of life is devastating, and this incident serves a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly fires can turn deadly,” Richmond Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to be mindful of fire safety and take proactive steps to reduce risks in their homes.” 

On average, people may have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds, but it’s the precautions residents take beforehand that can make the difference between life and death. The Richmond Fire Department offers these tips for reducing the risk of fires this winter season: 

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including wood stoves, space heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces. 
• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a wall outlet at a time. 
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpet. 
• Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep. 
• Make sure all heating equipment is in good working order and inspected annually by qualified professionals. 
• When cooking stay in the kitchen and never leave cooking food unattended.  
• When decorating for the holidays, choose flame resistant or flame-retardant decorations. 
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. 
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month. 

The Richmond Fire Department also provides and installs smoke detectors to citizens, free of charge. Residents in need of smoke detectors should call Fire Prevention at 804-646-1526.  

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