Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S. homes.
Fire Marshal Paul Payne. Credit: Michael Dinan
These homes include one- and two-family homes and apartments including townhouses and other multi-family dwellings, according to NFPA research.
Space heaters were most often responsible for home heating equipment fires from 2015 to 2019, accounting for more than two in five fires as well as the vast majority of deaths and injuries. Approximately two in five home heating equipment fires involved equipment that relied upon a solid fuel such as a wood burning or pellet stove or wood burning fireplace.
Smoke inhalation resulting from spread throughout the home is the leading cause of injury and death in home fires. Smoke spread occurs when doors were left open or did not close properly. Closed doors play an important role in saving lives and minimizing property damage by providing a compartment for the smoke, flames and dangerous heat to stay in.
Additionally, doors leading to common areas, hallways, and garages should be self-closing and latching. They also should never be propped open and should remain closed at all times so that smoke, fire and heat cannot migrate through the building.
Space Heater Safety (USA Today)
- Know how your space heater works; some of the primary types of space heaters include mica heaters, ceramic fan-forced heaters and oil filled convection heaters.
- Always supervise your space heater. Never use it when you sleep or keep it on when you leave the room.
- Give your space heater space and stability. Leave at least a 3 foot gap between your heater and anything that can burn. Make sure your space heater is secured on a flat, solid ground so that it will not tip over.
- Keep hot to touch heaters away from people and pets.
- Make sure there is an automatic shut-off function. With this feature, space heaters can shut off automatically if any imminent danger is detected.
- Never plug a space heater into a power strip, always plug it directly into a wall outlet.
- Test your smoke detectors regularly, once a month is recommended.
Wood Stove & Fireplace Safety
- Have a qualified professional install the stove, chimney and connectors.
- Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying around the room.
- Place your wood stove on a floor pad at least 3’ away from anything combustible.
- Before the heating season begins, have your chimney, flue vents and stove cleaned by a certified chimney sweep.
- Remove ashes regularly from your stove or fireplace and dispose of them safely. Let ashes cool before placing them in a covered metal container. Ashes can stay hot or warm for an extended period of time. Make sure they are cold before discarding them.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
- Never use gasoline, charcoal starter fluid or other flammable liquids to start your fire.
- Store wood safely in a dry place protected from the elements.
- Ensure your home is equipped with working fire and smoke detectors.