More than one-fifth of
residential fires are related to the use of supplemental room heaters, such as
wood- and coal-burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters, and
electrical heaters. You can reduce the chances that your family will experience
a home fire by following simple guidelines on the installation and use of these
appliances.
Most of the fires related to
supplemental heating appliances are caused by improper installation,
maintenance, or use of the appliances. Every appliance should have a complete
set of installation instructions and should be installed according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Wood stoves should sit on a non-combustible
surface or on a code-specified or listed floor protector. Fireplaces should have
noncombustible materials around the opening and hearth. Space heaters should be
placed on a firm surface out of the way so that they won't be tipped over and
spill fuel or have hot surfaces come in contact with combustible flooring. Many
space heater fires are caused by the heater being tipped over by children or
pets. Combustibles such as curtains, chairs, firewood, and even walls should be
at least three feet away from the appliance.
Vents and chimneys for heating
appliances must be installed with proper clearances to combustible materials.
Typically, 18 inches of air space is required between single-wall connector
pipes and combustibles and 2 inches between insulated chimneys and combustibles.
A common fire problem exists where chimney pipes pass through exterior walls and
are too close to combustibles within the wall. Unvented gas-fired space heaters
should not be used in small enclosed areas, especially bedrooms, because of the
potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Careful operation is crucial
to occupant safety. Use only fuels appropriate for the appliance. Use coal only
if specifically approved by the stove manufacturer. Gasoline or other flammable
liquids should never be used to start a wood fire since it might explode or
flare up. Never use gasoline in kerosene heaters. Even small amounts of gasoline
mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire. The directions on artificial
logs made from wax and sawdust say they should be used one at a time in
fireplaces and never used in wood stoves. This is because the heat can melt the
log causing it to flare up or leak burning liquid from the appliance.
Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in stoves or fireplaces because it
contains toxic chemicals that can make you sick. Always use a fireplace screen
to keep sparks from igniting materials in the room. Keep a window ajar or the
door open in a room where an unvented heater is in use. Avoid the use of
extension cords with electric heaters. Never use heaters to dry clothing or
other combustibles. Do not leave fireplaces or most space heaters unattended.
Young children should be kept away from any appliance that has hot surfaces that
can cause burns.
Chimneys and vents should be
inspected and cleaned annually. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned when
necessary by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of
wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Creosote builds up in connectors and chimney
flues and can cause a chimney fire. Don't burn newspapers or other trash in a
fireplace because they burn too hot and can ignite a chimney fire. Kerosene
heaters should be cleaned and wicks replaced annually. Electric heaters with
frayed or damaged cords should never be used.Install Safely
Use Safely
Maintain Carefully