The Rise in Electrical Fires During Winter: Causes, Prevention, and What You Need to Know

As temperatures drop and winter settles in, many people cozy up inside, crank up the heat, and enjoy holiday gatherings with family and friends, but along with the festivities, colder weather also ushers in a significant rise in electrical fires.

According to recent fire safety data, nearly 30% of electrical fires occur in the winter months of December, January, and February, more than any other time of year.

Below, we explain why electrical fires increase during winter, how to prevent them, and the legal options available when tragedy strikes for homeowners, renters, and families nationwide.

As always, if you or a loved one experiences harm due to someone else’s negligence, such as a landlord or property owner, you can contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Why Electrical Fires Spike in Winter

The correlation between lower temperatures and a higher frequency of electrical fires isn’t purely coincidental. Here are some top reasons for winter fires:

Increased Use of Heating Equipment

Winter means more reliance on heaters, space heaters, and electric blankets. These devices put added stress on home electrical systems.

Space heaters, electric blankets, and portable heaters are among the top contributors to winter electrical fires because they draw significant amounts of power. Older or improperly used devices can overheat and ignite nearby combustible materials.

While heating systems make winter comfortable, they also raise risk levels. Utilities and fire safety organizations note that more home fires occur during winter months than any other season and that heating equipment, including electrically powered heaters, is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States.

Holiday Decorations and Increased Electrical Load

The holiday season brings dazzling lights, festive displays, and extra electrical demand. Seasonal lighting and decorations can strain circuits if not used properly. Outdoor lights, trees with electrical cords, and indoor displays increase the number of devices drawing power simultaneously.

Experts warn that sales of electrical products surge in December, coinciding with colder weather, increasing the number of electrical devices plugged in and in use, and with them, the risk of malfunction, shock, and fire. 

Overloaded Circuits and Faulty or Aging Wiring

Older homes and systems may struggle under winter electrical loads. Circuits that were adequate in summer might become overloaded when multiple heaters, appliances, and entertainment systems run at once. 

Additionally, faulty or aging wiring is a top cause of residential electrical fires. Outlets and wiring not designed for modern electrical loads, especially in older homes, can overheat and create dangerous conditions.

According to electrical safety statistics, home electrical systems see roughly 46,700 fires per year due to electrical failure or malfunction, resulting in around 390 deaths and billions in property damage, and most of these occur in the winter months. 

Common Winter Electrical Fire Causes

Understanding specific sources of electrical fires can help homeowners take targeted steps to prevent them.

Space Heaters and Heating Devices

Portable space heaters are notorious for causing fires. Space heaters should always be placed at least three feet away from flammable materials. Plugging them into extension cords or power strips, especially lower-capacity ones, is unsafe, as it can lead to overheating and ignition.
 

Electric Blankets and Heating Pads

While a warm blanket on a cold night sounds comforting, electric blankets are responsible for hundreds of fires annually, with most cases happening in winter. Improper maintenance or use increases the risk significantly.

Holiday Lighting and Decorations

Holiday lighting often gets installed quickly and left running for long periods. If lights are frayed, not rated for outdoor use, or continually plugged in without proper surge protection, they can increase the likelihood of electrical malfunctions and fires.
 

There are simple steps, like using certified lighting and avoiding overloading circuits, that significantly reduce risk.

Dryers and Household Appliances

Appliances like dryers can also pose risks. Lint buildup in dryers is a known fire hazard, and winter is no exception; clogged vents and filters can overheat and ignite. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential.

Preventing Winter Electrical Fires: Practical Tips

Prevention is the best defense against electrical fires. Here’s how homeowners and renters can reduce their risk:

Inspect and Maintain Electrical Devices

Check cords and plugs for fraying, cracks, or loose connections. Damaged components should be replaced immediately. Appliances should be certified by reputable testing labs like UL or CSA.

Avoid Overloading Outlets

Each outlet and circuit is designed for a specific electrical load. Plugging too many high-wattage devices into one outlet or power strip can create overheating hazards. Distribute devices wisely and use heavy-duty surge protectors when needed.

Use Space Heaters Safely

Plug heaters directly into wall outlets and never into extension cords. Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep, and place them away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable materials.

Keep Flammable Items Away From Heat Sources

Maintain at least a three-foot clearance between any heat-producing equipment and combustible materials like furniture or decorations.

Schedule Professional Inspections

Have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s electrical system, especially if it is older or showing signs of stress (breaker trips, flickering lights, burning smells). Regular inspections can identify hazards before they become emergencies.

Install Safety Devices

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor save lives and alert residents to danger early.

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) can prevent electrical fires and shock-related incidents by shutting off circuits when they detect unsafe conditions.

Clean and Maintain Heating Appliances

For appliances like dryers, furnaces, and fireplaces, clean lint traps and vents regularly and have furnaces or wood stoves inspected annually before winter.

 

Recognizing Dangerous Electrical Signs

Knowing the warning signs of electrical malfunctions can help prevent fires. These can include:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Buzzing or crackling from outlets or switches
• Warm or discolored outlet covers
• Frequent circuit breaker trips
• Strange burning smells
   

These often indicate overload, short circuit, or other electrical issues that warrant immediate attention.

Legal Implications of Electrical Fires

When a fire occurs, especially one caused by electrical failure, the consequences can be devastating: loss of property, injury, or even death. In these situations, understanding your legal rights is essential.

Insurance Claims

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies cover fire damage, including electrical fires. However, claims must be filed promptly, the insurer may investigate the cause of the fire, and coverage may be reduced or denied if negligence or lack of maintenance is found.

 

An experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under your policy.

Product Liability Claims

If the fire was caused by a defective product, such as a faulty space heater or electric blanket, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable. These cases require careful investigation and legal knowledge to build a successful claim.

Negligence and Third-Party Liability

In some instances, an electrical fire may be linked to improper installation by an electrician or contractor, building code violations, and negligence in maintenance by landlords or property managers
 

If negligence contributed to your loss, legal action may help recover damages.

At Morgan & Morgan, experienced attorneys understand how to navigate these complex situations to pursue justice and compensation for victims of electrical fires.

What to Do After an Electrical Fire

If you experience an electrical fire:

1. Ensure Safety First

Evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services (911) if it hasn’t already been reported. Do not re-enter the home until authorities declare it safe.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the incident as soon as possible. Provide photos, detailed accounts, and documentation of the incident.

3. Preserve Evidence

Keep damaged devices and appliances. They may be necessary for investigations or claims.

4. Contact Morgan & Morgan

An experienced electrical fire attorney at the nation’s largest personal injury law firm can help you navigate insurance claims, investigate whether defective products or negligence played a role, and advocate for fair compensation for property loss, injuries, medical bills, or emotional distress.

If you’ve been affected by a winter electrical fire, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Morgan & Morgan is here to help you understand your legal rights, pursue compensation, and recover as fully as possible.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.