CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County is in the midst of peak season for residential building fires, and some local fire departments are helping spread the word about preventing disaster during the coldest months of the year.

According to information from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the number of residential fires is a growing problem in the United States. The agency reports residential fires nationwide have escalated by 8 percent since 2000, leaving homeowners displaced or left to burden tens of thousands of dollars in damages.

The reason, according to the USFA, relates to home heating. Heating is the second leading cause of all residential building fires after cooking. The agency reports that from 2008-2010, an average of 50,100 heating fires in residential buildings occurred in the U.S. each year, resulting in an annual average of approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries and upwards of $326 million in property loss.

“Most calls we receive for fires this time of year are more weather related than anything else,” said Norwich City Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo, adding that while calls have been received by the Norwich Fire Department this month, none have resulted in a major loss.