TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- The winter holidays are a time for families and friends to join together, but local firefighters worry that also means a greater risk for fire.

The Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department sees an increase in three specific types of fire this time of year, including fires that are ignited by space heaters.

“The radiant heat coming off space heaters is pretty great. In fact, another danger is carpeting. I've known people that used an extension cord and it heated up so much it actually melted the carpet,” said firefighter Jeremy Metcalf.

Holiday lights can be another fire hazard. Safety experts recommend using lights that have been tested by a nationally-recognized laboratory. Also, check strands of lights for frayed wires and broken bulbs. 

Finally, firefighters say cooking fires spike during the holiday season.

“This time of year, stats show cooking fires are a lot more than any other time of year, and primarily that is because there are guests coming to the house, people are being called away from the kitchen to entertain guests and they are cooking a lot more,” Metcalf said.

The fire department also stressed the importance of keeping candles out of the reach of small children and pets.