Quick Fire Safety Reminder for Cold Weather in Montana

As 2025 begins to wind down, we won't know exact numbers of reported fires in the City of Great Falls until the first part of 2026 when data is released to the public.  But just a quick check of our stories in the past year reveals that the city has had its fair share of house or business fires occurring since late last year.

Of those fires, some were certainly preventable with a few fire safety precautions.  A fire extinguisher, fire alarms and a plan are always imperative to help keep you and your family safe.  And as summer wanes and winter hits, a reminder about power strip usage seems timely.

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Quick Fire Safety Reminder for Cold Weather in Montana

We've probably all done it at some point or another.  A room doesn't have enough power outlets for all the stuff with plugs, and you grab a power strip to help with the predicament.  But watch out what you are plugging in to those strips, it could be causing an unwanted heat source that could ignite.

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As temperatures start to dip across Great Falls and Montana, many people may find the need to use an alternative heat source to keep warm.  Using a power strip to get that heat to you may seem like a good idea, but don't.  It's a major cause of fires due to the power drain.

One of those heat sources that are common in the winter are the "milk crate heater" style.  You know the one, usually grey or white with red hot wires producing the heat.  Just like the one I managed to dig up from storage in our studio!

Don't do it!  Plug it directly into your wall socket to ensure you aren't overheating a socket.  Check out even more common items that you shouldn't be plugging into power strips in our gallery below. 👇