Deadly Fires a Reminder That Cold Weather Increases Risk

Less than one month into the new year has brought some tragic reminders of the high danger of fire during the winter months while highlighting the need to take fire prevention seriously.

Seventeen people, including eight children, lost their lives when fire ripped through an apartment complex in New York City on Jan. 9. Fire officials said the fire started due to a malfunctioning electric space heater.

On Jan. 5, 12 people were killed in a Philadelphia row house fire reportedly started by a 5-year-old boy playing with a lighter. Fire investigators said they found seven battery-operated smok...