DANGERS OF USING IMPROVISED HEATING DEVICES IN YOUR HOME

With the cooler temperatures coming later this week, the Phoenix Fire Department would like to warn people about using space heaters or barbecues to heat their homes. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February.

The latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association say that in 2006 heating equipment was involved in an estimated 64,100 reported U.S. home structure fires. Those fires amounted to 540 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries, and $943 million in direct property damage.

Space heaters are the main culprit. Whether portable or stationary, they accounted for 73% of home heating fire deaths in 2006. One of the most dangerous things you can do is put a space heater too close to things that can burn (such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses and bedding).