SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KCAU) – Colder weather means more people are trying to keep their homes warm and cozy. However, if not careful, a simple heating source can turn into a house fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, officials estimated between 2019 to 2023 roughly 39,000 homes caught on fire due to heating equipment.

"Now that we're coming into the holiday season, and it's getting a little colder out. Again, people are going to be using fireplaces if they have that. Candles are a big one, unattended candles, people forget that they have lit so many, and they walk away, and they're unattended, they're next to a combustible," said Chief Doug Koopman, with the South Sioux City Fire Department.

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