“With predicted home heating fuel costs expected to skyrocket, I have serious concerns about the potiential for a drastic increase in residential fires and fire deaths,” said Fire Chief Robert Creecy of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

During the months of December, January and February home heating is a leading cause of fires. Alternative heating sources such as kerosene heaters, portable electric heaters, propane heaters and wood and coal stoves caused two-thirds of those home heating fires in Richmond and nationwide last year. They were also responsible for two-thirds of the fire deaths in Richmond and nationwide. This year more residents than ever will be looking at alternative heating sources to stay warm.

The Richmond Fire Department encourages everyone who uses alternative heating sources to use them with extreme care. We also ask residents to consider wearing warmer clothing, to turn up their home thermostat a degree or two warmer when they get cold, and to use alternative heating sources only when absolutely necessary.

Facts & figures
• In 2001, an estimated 54,900 home heating equipment fires were reported to U.S. fire departments, resulting in 220 civilian deaths, 1,120 civilian injuries and $502 million in property damage.
• Two of every three home heating fires in the U.S. in 2001, and two of every three related deaths, were attributed to portable and fixed space heaters and related equipment.
• Only 20% of the home heating equipment fires in 2001 began with central heating units.
• Common causes of space heating home fires are: lack of regular cleaning, leading to creosote build-up, in wood-burning devices and associated chimneys and connectors; failing to give space heaters space by installing or placing them too close to combustibles; basic flaws in the construction or design of wood burning heating equipment; fuel spills or leaks involving liquid- or gas-fueled heating equipment.

Safety tips:
• 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. Our free "Safety Sticks" are ideal for proper measurement.
• 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. Use only wood that is properly seasoned to reduce creosote build-up.
• 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.
• Refuel portable heaters outside after they have cooled, and only with the proper fuel. Make sure fuel is being stored in a correctly marked container to prevent accidently using the wrong fuel.
• Test smoke alarms monthly; install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
Source: National Fire Protection Association

For additional information about home heating equipment please call Lieutenant Mike Oprandy at 646-2502.