Redding, Calif. -- The sudden drop in night time temperatures is causing a freeze warning in parts of Shasta County, but this cold weather is bringing in more than just chills.
During the winter months, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths and responsible for 50 percent of fires throughout the year.
"Some people aren’t aware of the indoor hazards of using different heating sources so be aware some are meant for outdoors only," said Katrisha Arambul, of the Health and Human Services Department.  
And Shasta County isn’t exempt.
890 people die from winter home fires every year.
Most caused by chimney fires.
But these aren’t just numbers to redding resident Mary Clark, who says when she was younger it happened to her.
"It was very very scary. I was putting some trash in there because I didn’t want to take it out, and the flue wasn’t clean .. and the fire.. the ashes just went up and it caught the roof on fire," said Clark. 
So, now she likes to stay on the side of caution.
"A lesson learned. Make sure the screen is on top and its clean," said Clark.
Redding firefighters are also using recent flume fires as a warning to all.

"We recommend folks who have fireplaces and wood stoves to have those serviced by a licensed chimney sweep," said fire marshal Craig Wittner. 
Adding they’re always available if you have questions about your heating methods.