Fire and Ice Published Jan. 26, 2016 By Chief Master Sgt. Russell Eidenschink 5th Civil Engineer Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- According to the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S Fire Administration, December, January and February are the leading months for U.S. home fires. Minot Air Force Base Fire Department would like to remind the populace that as the outside temperature drops during the winter months, people need to take the basic precautions to prevent serious fire and safety related injuries. The leading fire culprits on base are the improper use of candles, space heaters, electrical cords and unattended cooking. Minot AFB Fire Department and Minot AFB residents teamed up with a "Fire and Ice" public event to help reduce your risk to winter fires and other hazards, including carbon monoxide poisoning. This event helped relay the Fire Department's "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" campaign message to help remind people to be fire smart, and aware of the potential fire risks when they utilize the above mentioned items in their homes and at work. The Fire Department also did a live-demonstration on the fire dangers live pine trees present when they are not properly maintained during the holiday season. On-lookers were shown how easily a pine tree can ignite, how fast the fuel load is consumed and the amount of heat produced from the fire.