The Tulsa Fire Department has tended to 11 structure fires since Sunday.

They say fires are more common when temperatures drop.

“We know that when temperatures are like they are today, fires are going to be higher," said Andy Little, PIO for Tulsa Fire Department. "People are using alternative methods of heat.”

Little says they have seen four apartment fires, one building fire, and six house fires in less than four days.

“Above normal," said Tulsa Fire Chief Michael Baker. "Above average, but expected with this kind of weather in Tulsa.”

Baker says when temperatures drop people use unsafe heating methods out of desperation to keep warm.

“It's super cold out here," Little said. "It's too cold to survive if you don’t have the proper clothing and something to keep you warm.”

Little says unhoused individuals often start fires in vacant buildings to stay warm and survive.

“We know that people that are not living in homes and are living in the streets and looking for ways to stay warm," Little said. "They're trying to survive. It's not necessarily arson, but sometimes the fires can get out of control and cause damage and potentially life, death.”

To combat this, four Tulsa organizations have opened their doors to those seeking shelter to keep them warm.

• John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne Ave: Open 24/7.

• The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver Ave: Open 24/7.

• Tulsa County Emergency Shelter, 2401 Charles Page Blvd: Open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Tulsa Day Center, 415 W. Archer Street: Open 24/7.

But unhoused Tulsans aren't the only ones at risk of igniting a fire.

Little says people often utilize space heaters as a quick and inexpensive source of heat when we face temperature drops.

But when used improperly they are a huge risk.

“Unfortunately, we see lots of people die across the country because of these devices," Little said. “They're designed to be put on a hard level surface, on a floor, not the tables. You’re not supposed to plug anything else into the outlet with that and it's important they’re always attended to you can't leave them alone. Small children, pets could easily knock them over and if there's anything within three feet of that space heater there's a chance it could catch on fire.”

The fire department advises Tulsan's not to use stoves or ovens to heat their home.

“Any gas appliance can potentially be a carbon monoxide issue," Little said.

The best way to stay warm and safe is to ensure your heating and air system is working properly ahead of the winter months.

Little and Baker also say it's important to have a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector to alert you in case of an emergency.