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By Cam Lee

Fire dangers in cold weather

Stay warm but stay safe: space heaters, poorly vented furnaces can be dangerous

Jan 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM

The frigid weather is upon us, and many will do what they can to be warm.

The Melfort Fire Department is cautioning residents to make sure that staying warm is also staying safe.

Fire Chief Leonard Whitney said that means ensuring all furnace vents are clear of snow and ice.

He said high-efficiency furnace venting is usually vertical, and it’s important to make sure that no snow is covering those vents. Furnaces are also venting out the side of the home, and Whitney said it’s crucial to clear those vents of snow and ice as well.

“It’s always a good idea to have a look and know where your vents are and try to ensure that…you can shovel them out and keep the snow away from them so that they don’t get plugged off,” Whitney said.

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He also recommended that everyone have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. It’s also vital to check the date of the detectors as they only have a shelf life of seven to 10 years.

Some people may feel that furnace heat isn’t sufficient, and they use space heaters at home or at work. Whitney said it’s crucial to monitor space heaters and ensure that they are running properly. Space heaters that are not shut off and unplugged when not in use can definitely pose a fire risk.

“Older space heaters, if you leave them plugged in, they can retain heat in their capacitors, and even if the space heater is off sometimes, we’ve seen where the electrical inside the space heater is what shorts out or can be the cause of a fire.”

Anyone without an attached garage will likely be plugging in their vehicles during this cold snap. Whitney said extension cords can be a fire hazard.

“Extension cords are always a source of hazards. Sometimes the wires are bared or they’re not rated for the cold, and they’ll actually break inside the cord itself and can short out and cause issues,” Whitney explained.

He also recommends having a car safety kit on hand if you’re planning to travel during this Arctic blast.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com