State fire marshal provides heating safety tips
With cooler nights and days becoming more prevalent, residents are turning on furnaces, portable heaters, and lighting solid fuel appliances.
According to State of Kansas Fire Marshal's office, every year fires are inadvertently started by placing a heater too close to combustible materials.
Heating devices are the leading cause of home fires during December, January, and February.
In 2003, there were 228 heating equipment-related home fires in Kansas, resulting in one death and three injuries. Property damages exceeded $1.2 million.
To prevent this unnecessary loss of life and property, regular inspection and cleaning of heating devices should be made.
Most fires with space heaters are preventable if key safety measures are followed. To avoid problems, keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furnishings, bedding, and clothing. Turn the heater off when the room is unoccupied or before going to sleep.
Wood stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys need special care. Fires occur in these because of lack of cleaning, leading to the buildup of creosote, the residue of unburned fuel.
"Only use seasoned hardwood and don't burn trash in a fireplace because the fire could burn out of control," said Karl McNorton, Kansas deputy chief fire marshal.
Keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace with fire screens made of heat-tempered glass or sturdy metal.
Fuel-fired equipment presents fire-related incidents and is a potential source of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless poison gas that is created when fuel does not burn completely.
The fire marshal's office recommends the installation of carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors in homes to provide an early warning.
