State Fire Marshal Warns of Risks From Portable Space Heaters

From the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

Fall temperatures are in the air and space heaters are arriving on a floor or table near you.

State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is reminding Marylanders of the risks associated with the use of portable space heaters. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2005-2009, portable and fixed space heaters, including wood stoves, were involved in 32% of home heating fires and 79% of home heating fire deaths. In 24% of these fires, and 58% of the space heater fire deaths, the heater was too close to something that could catch fire.

“The risk of fire from portable space heaters is especially high when used improperly,” according to the Fire Marshal. “The safety tips listed below will help all Marylanders reduce the chance for injury or death when using portable space heaters.”

• Check labeling on packages containing space heaters to ensure they have been tested by an approved testing laboratory such as; Underwriters Laboratory (UL) before making a purchase.
• Read and follow manufacturers operating instructions and keep the owner’s manual available for reference.
• When using unvented fuel fired heaters make sure to only use the type of fuel specified in the owner’s manual and never use gasoline. Note: Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City.
• Make sure when using unvented fuel fired space heaters that an adequate supply of fresh air is provided. These types of heaters produce Carbon Monoxide, which is an odorless, colorless and very poisonous gas. The use of Carbon Monoxide Alarms is highly recommended.
• Keep all portable space heaters at least three feet away from combustible items such as: newspapers, clothing, furniture, curtains, etc.
• Ensure children and pets are not able to make contact with a space heater.
• Never use an extension cord to operate an electrical space heater. Electrical current used for space heaters can cause extension cords to overheat and potentially cause a fire. Plug the space heater directly into a properly grounded outlet.

Smoke alarms save lives, prevent injuries, and help minimize property damage by detecting and alerting residents to fires early in their development. The risk of dying from fires in homes without smoke alarms is twice as high as in homes that have working smoke alarms. The State fire Marshal offers another important piece of life safety advice. “Make sure to test the smoke alarms in your home! Smoke alarms are one of the most effective life safety tools in preventing injury or death from fire.”