ARDMORE, OK -- Nationwide, fire officials say they see twice as many house fires in winter months, compared to the summer.
In just one week in December the Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma responded to 15 home fires. Staff say most winter fires can be attributed to home heating.
Space heaters are the second leading cause of heating related home fires, behind fireplaces and chimneys.
"Fall and winter is when we have our most fires because that's when people use whatever kind of heat they are going to use that they may not have used since last winter," said Patricia Whitener with the American Red Cross.
They advise you check any heating system you use thoroughly before you crank it up.