A new survey from the American Red Cross says nearly 80-percent of Americans are worried about the rising costs of heating their homes and many people will turn to other heating sources, a decision that could lead to more fires.

The Red Cross says nearly half of the homes out there will use alternative heating sources this winter to save money. Fire officials warn these types of heating sources can be dangerous.

Sharon Sanders knows that all too well, her house burned to the ground back in January of 2007. Investigators blamed the fire on a pellet stove.

"Our home was all electric heat that's why we used a pellet stove the way we did, it was too expensive to heat otherwise," Sanders said.

And this winter with heating costs on the rise the American Red Cross expects more Americans to turn down the thermostat and crank up their stoves and space heaters, in order to save.

"Often times using those alternative sources can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, if it's an appliance that's not new doesn't have a safety function, risk of it starting a fire goes way up," said Jennifer Mariano from the American Red Cross.

Mariano says heating and cooking are the leading causes of house fires and she reminds people to be diligent. Sharon Sanders has already learned her lesson.

"You just don't think something like this can happen but it does," Sanders said.

And she hopes the fire that destroyed her home, will be a reminder for others.

Some important safety tips to remember. Keep space heaters at least 3-feet away from anything that can burn and install smoke alarms on every level of your home.