Date: December 8, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fire Department Urges Caution When Using Heaters

Windsor CA – Windsor Fire Protection District officials worry that the substantially increased heating fuels costs this winter might drive many people to use alternative or supplemental heating sources whenever possible. Fireplaces and space heaters can make a room toasty, but WFPD and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urge consumers to use caution when using these devices by thinking fire-safety first.

“We’ve gone to some very tragic home fires in the past couple of years that resulted from incorrectly used heating devices,” said Fire Chief Ron Collier. “The combination of our recent very cold temperatures and increased heating fuel costs cause us great concern.”

There were 45,500 home heating fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2002, according to NFPA. These fires caused 220 deaths, 990 injuries and $449 million in property damage. These numbers have generally declined over recent years, but with natural gas and oil prices expected to rise sharply from last year at this time, those who never used supplemental heating may elect to do so, possibly causing more fires.

Based on frequency of use, space heaters pose a higher risk of fire and fire death than central heating.
Fireplaces and chimneys were involved in 43 percent of all home heating fires and 11 percent of the associated deaths. Fixed and portable space heaters, including wood stoves, were involved in 25 percent of the home heating fires, but 74 percent of the associated deaths. Central heating was involved in 19 percent of home heating fires and 10 percent of the associated deaths.

Most fireplace and chimney fires were caused by creosote build-up. The leading cause of space heater fires was combustibles too close to the heaters. Central heating fires were primarily caused by mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Heating equipment can be used safely if these recommendations are followed:

• When buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory, and be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes. Or make sure a qualified technician checks to see that the unit has been properly installed.
• Keep or maintain a 36-inch clearance between space heaters and anything that can burn.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors and all other solid-fueled heating equipment inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned as often as inspections suggest. To reduce creosote build-up, use only wood that is properly seasoned.
• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Have any gas-fueled heating device installed with proper attention to ventilation. If unvented gas space heaters are used in bedrooms or bathrooms, make sure they are small and well-mounted. NFPA codes prohibit use of liquefied petroleum gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies.
• Test smoke alarms monthly; install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
  Windsor Fire Protection District is a combination paid/volunteer fire department that serves 30,000 people in a 30 square mile area that includes 25 square miles of the Town of Windsor and five miles of surrounding unincorporated area. WFPD will respond to more than 1800 emergency calls this year. For more information about heater safety, go to www.nfpa.org or www.windsorfire.net

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Contact: Matt Gustafson
Office: 707/838-1170
FAX: 707/838-1173
E-mail: mgustafson@windsorfpd.com 

NOTE: Photographs are copyrighted by Windsor Fire Protection District and can only be used with permission.

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