The American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association released results of a survey showing 79 percent of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes. That, firefighters fear, could lead to more house fires.

A busy weekend for firefighters translated to a tragic one for some homeowners. Friends are mourning the loss of Marilyn Haes, killed in a house fire in Taney County on Saturday. Some residents of Springfield have damaged homes and apartments, although no one was hurt seriously.

Firefighters are concerned for what the rest of this winter - the most common time for house fires – will bring.

The reason could lie in the results of a recent survey that shows the majority of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes. Nearly half of households will use an alternative heating source to reduce their bills this winter. That includes portable space heaters, stoves, ovens and fireplaces, all things that pose a higher risk for fire.

“We'll see more calls because of turning heating systems on for the first time,” said Springfield Acting Co-Fire Chief David Hall.

A couple of fires recently in Springfield were not caused by alternative heating sources, but lit cigarettes. It goes to show that everyone is at risk, which is why you need a working smoke detector.

If you do use an alternative heating source, use devices that are new or in good working order, and turn them off before you go to bed or leave the room. Also, keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable.