As oil prices shoot through the roof, southwestern Connecticut residents are going the old-fashioned route and warming themselves by the fire.

The Energy Information Administration says sales of wood-fueled stoves increased by 65 percent in the last year. Area business like Nordic Stove and Fireplace Center can attest to the fact.

"Customers are coming in with a look of a deer in headlights because they just got their oil bill," says an employee.

Oil prices recently rose to more than $3 per gallon. The Bush administration is giving $40 million in aid to 11 states struggling with the higher cost to heat homes. Connecticut is expected get a $3 million cut of the cash.