It’s a cold night. You decide to use a space heater or perhaps light a fire in the fireplace to save on the heating bill. Comfortable from its warmth as bedtime approaches you think, “What harm could it cause to leave it on overnight?”
Think again. While these heating devices may help you feel cozy and warm, they can become extremely dangerous if not used properly. On average, NFPA research shows that heating equipment is involved in in an estimated 56,000 reported U.S. home fires per year. These fires resulted in 470 civilian deaths, 1,490 civilian injuries and $1.0 billion in direct property damage per year.
Home heating fires are largely preventable when you know the rules. Fountain Valley Fire’s goal is to reduce the number of home-heating fires in our community but we need your help. We are urging Fountain Valley families to use extra caution this winter when heating your home.
Heating equipment is involved in one in every six reported home fires and one in every five home fire deaths.
