Frostburg, Maryland, December 11th, 2025.
A winter advisory issued by THE MARYLAND STATE FIRE MARSHAL, operating within the DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE, sets forth the official precautions that residents are encouraged to observe as temperatures continue to fall across the region. The notice serves as a seasonal reminder that each winter brings an increase in home fires, many of which arise from heating equipment, cooking activity, and holiday decorations. The Fire Marshal’s guidance stands as the authoritative statement on winter safety for households throughout the state and surrounding Appalachian communities.
The advisory begins with clear instruction regarding the maintenance of home heating systems. Residents are urged to arrange for the cleaning of chimneys and vents so that soot accumulation does not become a hazard. This recommendation applies even to fireplaces and chimneys that see limited use, for creosote buildup can occur in any dormant system. The Fire Marshal directs households to maintain a three foot safety zone around all heating equipment in accordance with manufacturer standards and to remain mindful of any appliance that is left operating while a resident is elsewhere in the home.
The guidance outlines what it calls the Rule of 20. If a stove or oven is left unattended for more than twenty minutes, the appliance should be turned off. Should a resident leave only for a short interval, the room must be checked upon return. Comparable caution applies to alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, pellet stoves, or portable units. The Fire Marshal instructs that these systems are never to be plugged into surge protectors or extension cords but into a wall outlet only. They must be placed upon a level, fire resistant surface and never on bedding, drapery, carpets, or cloth.
The advisory turns to fireplace ash management. Any ash removed from a fireplace or wood stove is to be stored in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Even ash that appears fully cooled may contain embers capable of igniting nearby combustible material. For this reason the container must be kept a minimum of ten feet from the home.
The Fire Marshal provides further guidance on kitchen safety during the holiday season. Cooking fires, especially those involving unattended stovetops, remain a leading cause of seasonal home damage. Residents are asked to keep a watchful eye on all cooking surfaces, to prevent children and pets from approaching the stove, and to use timers or reminders whenever multiple holiday tasks draw attention away from the kitchen.
The advisory also addresses holiday decorations. Before placing lights or electrically powered displays, households are encouraged to inspect all wiring for damage, loose connections, or broken bulbs. The Fire Marshal notes that real Christmas trees require steady watering in order to maintain moisture and reduce the risk of ignition. If a tree ceases to absorb water, it should be taken down or the lights removed so that heat does not accumulate among dry branches.
In a separate notice issued by THE MARYLAND STATE FIRE MARSHAL, additional instruction is given regarding portable space heaters. Residents are reminded never to leave such heaters running while asleep or when departing the home. The heater should always rest upon a stable, nonflammable floor surface, and children and pets must be kept at a safe distance. A minimum three foot safety radius is recommended around all portable units.
The Fire Marshal advises households to inspect all space heaters before seasonal use. Any frayed wiring or evidence of damage warrants immediate replacement. The advisory stresses that cooking ranges and ovens should never be used as heating devices under any condition.
Further instruction concerns smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The guidance states that every level of a home should contain a smoke alarm, including bedrooms and adjacent hallways. Alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every ten years. Carbon monoxide alarms are to remain active at all times, and neither device is to be disabled under any circumstance. Families are encouraged to establish a home escape plan and rehearse it so that all occupants understand the sound of the alarms and the steps to take when they are activated.
In closing, the seasonal advisory urges residents to participate actively in winter safety by inspecting their homes, reviewing their appliances, and observing the precautions provided. The Fire Marshal expresses the belief that consistent attention to these measures will reduce preventable fires and help ensure a safe winter for households throughout the region.
The information contained herein is drawn solely from first hand public safety releases issued directly by THE MARYLAND STATE FIRE MARSHAL, DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE, and no secondary accounts have been used.
The Appalachian Post is an independent West Virginia news outlet dedicated to clean, verified, first-hand reporting. We do not publish rumors. We do not run speculation. Every fact we present must be supported by original documentation, official statements, or direct evidence. When secondary sources are used, we clearly identify them and never treat them as first-hand confirmation. We avoid loaded language, emotional framing, or accusatory wording, and we do not attack individuals, organizations, or other news outlets. Our role is to report only what can be verified through first-hand sources and allow readers to form their own interpretations. If we cannot confirm a claim using original evidence, we state clearly that we reviewed first-hand sources and could not find documentation confirming it. Our commitment is simple: honest reporting, transparent sourcing, and zero speculation.
Sources
Primary First Hand Sources
• MARYLAND STATE FIRE MARSHAL, Department of State Police, Winter Fire Safety Advisory.
• MARYLAND STATE FIRE MARSHAL, Department of State Police, Winter Heating Safety Advisory on Portable Space Heaters.
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