Storm Lake ends Keep the Wreath Red with three structure fires

The annual Keep the Wreath Red campaign wrapped up Jan. 1 after a month of daily monitoring, but on Jan. 7 the Storm Lake Fire Department reported three structure fires that were marked as white bulbs on the community wreath. Those three incidents underscore why Buena Vista County residents must stay vigilant through the coldest weeks ahead: January and February remain peak months for home fires, driven largely by increased use of space heaters and other heating appliances.

The campaign runs Dec. 1 to Jan. 1 and aims to keep the wreath red by avoiding residential fires over the holiday season. This year three structure fires occurred during the campaign period, providing a timely reminder that holiday safety practices cannot stop with New Year’s Day. Worsening winter conditions and greater reliance on supplemental heating mean risk continues well into midwinter.

Space heaters and household heating systems are essential for warmth, but they are frequent contributors to residential fires when used improperly. Safe use reduces risk: keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and heating vents; place space heaters on flat, stable surfaces; plug them directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords; and turn heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed. Routine maintenance also matters, have furnaces, chimneys, and other heating appliances inspected and serviced regularly and change furnace filters as recommended.

Residents should never use ovens or outdoor grills to heat indoor spaces, and they must ensure fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances are properly vented to avoid both fire and carbon monoxide hazards. Install and maintain working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and test them regularly. These practical steps lower the chance of fire, reduce carbon monoxide exposure, and protect families during the county’s coldest months.

Local homeowners, renters, and landlords who have questions about the Keep the Wreath Red Campaign or wintertime fire safety can contact Storm Lake Fire Department Captain Blake Severson at 712-732-8010 or severson@stormlake.org for guidance and local inspection recommendations.

Our two cents? Treat winter heating like farm equipment in harvest season, inspect it, respect it, and don’t take shortcuts. A few simple habits now can keep your home safe and the wreath red for next year.