A new report entitled "Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment" was recently released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which stated that heating equipment continues to be the second leading cause of home fires behind cooking and the second leading cause of home fire deaths behind smoking. While only 32 percent of home heating fires involve space heaters, they are involved in 79 percent of home heating fire deaths, according to NFPA.

San Bernardino County Fire is urging caution and asking the public to practice safe heating behaviors as the peak time for home heating fires continues; half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February; however with colder weather still in the forecast the use of heating equipment is still in high use. "Half of fatal home space heater fires started because something was too close to the heater and ignited. Keep heaters and things that can burn at least three feet apart," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of communications. "Heating fires and the deaths they cause can usually be prevented with awareness and a few simple actions."

The leading factor contributing to space heater fires in general was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding. Other leading factors contributing to home space heater fires were failure to clean, which is principally related to creosote build-up in chimneys, and leaving an operating space heater unattended.

BBasic safety tips can help families stay safe in their home. For more information visit our website at: www.sbcfire.org under Public Education. The safety calendar under November has a brochure you can download on heating and candle safety. Safety is our number one priority at San Bernardino County Fire, help us help YOU! You can find many safety brochures at our website to help your family stay safe all year long!