According to the U.S. Fire Administration, from October 2007 to March 2008, there was a 68% increase in the number of fatal home fires and a 67% increase in the number of people killed in home fires, compared to the warmer months. Not including arson-related deaths, from April 2007 through September 2007 at least 589 people were killed in home fires. When it became cooler, from October 2007 through March 2008, at least 982 people were killed in home fires.

Through its Smoking & Home Fires Campaign, the USFA wants to make this season safer, especially as it relates to the number one cause of preventable home fire deaths in the nation: fires caused by smoking materials. During this time of the year, the use of holiday lighting, ornamental candles and space heaters also raises the risk of home fires.

“Every year, about 1,000 people are killed in smoking-related home fires,” says U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory Cade. “Smokers tend to smoke inside their homes more often because it’s cooler outside, so what’s important to remember is that smoking home fires can easily be prevented.”

The USFA has materials for consumers, firefighters and the media, including a video demonstrating how fast a smoldering cigarette can ignite and consume a room. The free campaign materials include a CD toolkit with English and Spanish posters, brochures, fact sheets, public service announcements, PowerPoint presentations, an engaging video of a smoking-home fire demonstration, and more. The USFA also has video and radio PSAs available. The materials are available online and can be ordered or downloaded by visiting www.usfa.dhs.gov/smoking.