Prevention of Fires Caused by Home Heating Sources

Nationwide, a residential fire occurs every 67 seconds.

There were about 472,000 fires in residential properties in 1992, resulting in 3,750 fire deaths.

FURNACE MAINTENANCE

• Check the filter once a month, change it when necessary, or at least twice a year.
• Do Not store combustible material near the furnace.
• Have the furnace inspected once a year and tested for leaks. Make sure the furnace is vented to the outdoors. Inspect the chimney for debris that could plug it.

ELECTRIC HEATERS AND KEROSENE HEATERS

• Before buying a kerosene heater, make sure the local building and fire codes permit its use in residential structures. Also check your insurance policy to see if such use will affect the policy.
• Buy an approved heater that has been tested by the Underwriter:s Laboratories.
• Read the owner:s manual before operating the heater. Maintain the heater according to the manual.
• Do Not put heaters where people walk. Keep the heater 3 feet from combustible material such as draperies or furniture.
• Teach children to avoid the heater. The surface of some heaters can exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do Not leave a heater on when no one is at home or when you are asleep.
• For kerosene heaters, only use K1 kerosene. It has a .04 percent sulphur content by weight. Do Not use any other type of fuel. K2 kerosene is not recommended because it has a higher sulphur content, and improper use can pose a fire or explosion hazard. Only fill the heater when it is cool.
• Do Not use flammable solvents, aerosol sprays or lacquers near heaters.
• Do Not use the heater in the same room where flammable liquids are stored or in dusty environments.
• Do provide adequate ventilation for kerosene heaters. Follow the manufacturer:s directions. If there are none, open a window 1 square inch for each 1,000 BTU:s of the heater:s rating. Refer to MU guidesheet 1999, "Unvented portable kerosene heaters - safety considerations."
• Regardless of the type of heating system you have, install and maintain smoke detectors on each level of the house. Refer to MU guidesheet 1906, "Selecting and Using a Fire Extinguisher;" and MU guidesheet 1907, "Residential Fire Detection."

WOOD STOVE MAINTENANCE

• Select a good stove and have it properly installed.
• Locate the stove out of traffic and away from furniture and draperies.
• Do Not store combustible materials near the stove.
• Prevent creosote build up.
• Do Not use wet or unseasoned wood.
• Maintain a briskly burning fire.
• Maintain a flue temperature above 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Inspect stove pipes and chimney flues each year before using the stove. Look for:
• Cracked flue liners.
• Broken or missing bricks.
• Heavy creosote deposits.
• Foreign material and bird nests.
• Thoroughly clean the flue and stovepipe of any soot or residues.
• Repair any damage before using.
• Frequently check the stovepipe and chimney for creosote buildup during the heating season.
• Properly dispose of wood ashes by storing them in a non-combustible metal container with a tight lid. Place the closed container on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials.
• Warn children not to touch the stove or stand too close to it.

For more information, see MU guidesheet 1731, "Wood Stove Maintenance and Operation;" and MU guidesheet 1735, "Cleaning Stovepipes and Chimneys."

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