Guidelines For Avoiding

Home Heating Fires

The Newtown Fire Marshal’s office and the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s division of fire, emergency, and building services have issued an advisory warning of the risk of fires caused by home heating systems.

Most fires are avoidable by following common-sense guidelines.

Schedule annual inspection and cleaning of furnaces, space heaters, wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and chimney connections prior to the heating season.

Before purchasing equipment, be certain it is listed by an independent, recognized testing laboratory. Installation, venting, fueling, maintenance, and repair should follow the manufacturer’s written instructions. Installation should be checked by the local building official and fire marshal.

Space heaters should be no closer than three feet from combustibles such as blankets, curtains, papers, toys, upholstered furniture, and other home items.

Portable heaters should not be used where children or pets may fall against them.

Keep flammable liquids in approved containers in ventilated areas outside the home.

Extension cords should not be used with electric heaters.

Charcoal or propane gas grills designed for outdoor cooking should never be used to heat a home or indoor area for any purpose.

It has been said that the upcoming heating season is expected to be a costly one. Those who choose to use alternate sources of heat such as wood stoves, fireplaces, and portable heaters should stay alert to the risks, not only of fire but also of carbon monoxide. See the local fire marshal for tips on how to avoid CO poisoning. See the local building official if you plan any residential remodeling that may affect the space around the furnace or other heating equipment, even if it is a project that does not require a building permit.

And just in case, make sure there are smoke detectors in all areas of the house, particularly near bedrooms. Check each month to be sure that all smoke detectors are working.