Heating equipment leading cause of fires in U.S. homes

Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths. Half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

Curling up with a blanket and turning on a portable heater is something many residents look forward to after a Sheridan winter day. Many residents use the portable heaters in their homes, but also in shops and barns during the cold winter months. With weather reports predicting highs in the 40s, many will be used over the course of the next week. 

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sheridan County Sheriff Allen Thompson reminded residents to be vigilant when using portable heaters. 

The NFPA recommends keeping anything flammable at least three-feet (one metre) away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Thompson also suggested having chimneys cleaned and inspected as well as servicing furnaces at least once a year. 

The NFPA suggests testing smoke alarms once a month to ensure serviceability.