During the coldest months of the year, home heating equipment kicks into high gear, and space heaters are most often responsible for home heating equipment fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The NFPA reports that an average of 45,800 home heating fires occurred each year between 2015 and 2019, resulting in 480 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in property damage.
In Washington state, fires started by home heating are the third leading known cause for fire fatalities on a five-year average, resulting in 7% of the total incident count.
When comes to heating, the State Fire Marshal's Office wants to remind everyone to practice safety by:
Having furnaces inspected and serviced once a year by a qualified professional.
Keep items that can burn at least 3 feet away from a furnace, fireplace, or space heater.
If you smell gas, whether natural or propane, leave the building and call 911 immediately upon exiting.
When using a space heater, turn off the heater when you go to bed or leave the room.
Purchasing and using space heaters that have an automatic shut-off if tipped over.
Ensuring space heaters are plugged directly into a power outlet, and that no extension cords or power strips are used to power them.
Not plugging anything else into the same circuit as the one being used for a space heater.
Ensuring space heaters are placed on a solid and flat surface.
For more information contact the State Fire Marshal's Office at (360) 596-3904.
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