Put the freeze on winter fires - heating fire safety

From the U.S. Fire Administration

Each winter the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities causes many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly. Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are however, a major contributing factor in home fires.

Many of these fires can be prevented. You can prevent the loss of life and property resulting from heating fires by being able to identify potential hazards and following a few safety tips:

All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

• Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Make sure all fuel-burning heating equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Only purchase portable space heaters with an automatic shut-off so if they’re tipped over they will shut off.
• Allow wood stove and fireplace ashes to cool completely before disposing of them in a tightly covered metal container. Keep the container at least 10 feet away from your home.

Heating Fire Safety Action Steps