Winter months bring a surge in residential and structure fires. According to Deming Fire Department data, residents have not seen a surge through October and Decembers of 2020. Deming firefighters took fire control and extinguishment in 50 calls during the three-month period. They also managed to put out 23 calls by extinguishment from service personnel. A recent report shows that home heating fires during the months of December through February account for half of the department’s calls. Most of the calls are a result of heating equipment. Poorly heated homes and homes with external heating sources are at high risk for residential fires. Measures to prevent winter fires can be taken to keep personal property and families safe. If you are using an outside portable generator to provide heat, keep it away from windows and as far away as possible from your home.