As the frigid winter season maintains its hold on the city and the snow continues to pile up, residents are urged to monitor their home heating systems closely and to practice caution with space heaters.
According to a report released on Thursday, February 11 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters, which include fireplaces, wood burning stoves and portable heaters, are responsible for 79 percent of fatal home heating fires. This is despite space heaters accounting for only 32 percent of all such fires.
The NFPA also wants residents to be aware that typically half of all home heating fires occur at this time of year, with February being one of the peak months.
A leading cause of space heater fires is combustible items being placed too closely to heating equipment. To maximize safety, be sure to keep any item a safe distance from heating equipment, and especially monitor the position of furniture, clothing and bedding.
“Half of fatal home space heater fires started because something was too close to the heater and ignited. Keep heaters and things that can burn at least three feet apart,” said Lorraine Carli, the NFPA’s vice president of communications.
For fireplace and wood burning stove owners, a leading cause of home heating fires is failure to have their chimney cleaned regularly. The burning of fires causes creosote to build up inside a chimney, and it can eventually ignite if not cleaned out.
“Whether your chimney supports a wood or coal stove or just a fireplace, be sure to have it cleaned and inspected at least once a year to reduce your risk of having a fire,” Carli said.
Heating equipment is responsible for the second highest number of home fires, behind cooking, and the second highest number of home fire deaths, behind smoking. However, these fires are highly preventable as long as the proper precautions are taken.
When the damage caused by such fires is considered, taking the little time necessary to protect your home is something not to be taken lightly. In 2007, fire departments throughout the U.S. responded to 66,400 home structure fires started by heating equipment. These fires resulted in 580 deaths and 1,850 injuries, while causing $609 million in property damage.
“Heating fires and the deaths they cause can usually be prevented with awareness and a few simple actions,” Carli said.
For more information on how to prevent a space heater fire in your own home, visit www.nfpa.org.
