The threat of winter fires is real. Use these statistics to help your community understand how severe these fires can be.

• 890 people die in winter home fires each year.

• $2 billion in property loss occurs each year from winter home fires.

• Winter home fires account for only 8 percent of the total number of fires in the U.S., but result in 30 percent of all fire deaths.

• Cooking is the leading cause of all winter home fires.

• A heat source too close to combustibles is the leading factor contributing to the start of a winter home fire (15 percent).

• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the most common time for winter home fires.

Source: National Fire Incident Reporting System 2010-2012