Equipment fires high in winter Published Dec. 5, 2006 By Eric Smith Vance Fire Department Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- With the winter season approaching, many people will start using different types of heating equipment or means of heating their homes. Different types of equipment could include wood or pellet-burning stoves, electric heaters or fireplaces. Most heating equipment fires are started as a result of misuse or improper maintenance of heating devices. In conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association, the Vance Fire Department gives this advice on heating the home safely: When purchasing new heating equipment, be sure to select products that have been tested and approved by an independent testing laboratory. Install and maintain heating equipment correctly, and be sure it complies with local fire and building codes. Portable heaters Portable and space heaters can be either electric or fueled by gas, kerosene, wood or coal. All types must be placed at least 36 inches away from anything that can burn, including wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets and people. Never leave space heaters operating when the room is not occupied or the occupant is asleep. Don't leave children or pets unattended with space heaters, and be sure everyone understands that drying clothing or placing combustibles over heaters is a fire hazard. Electric heaters -- Electric space heaters should be checked each season for fraying or splitting wires and overheating. Have all problems repaired by a professional before operating the space heater. Kerosene heaters -- If using a liquid-fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never use gasoline or any other substitute fuel, because the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment's design limits. When refueling, always turn off the heater and let it cool down before adding fuel. Wipe up any spills promptly. Store the kerosene away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire department, and be sure it is clearly marked with the fuel name. If considering a kerosene heater, be sure to check with the local fire department before purchasing to find out if it is legal in the community. Fireplaces Have the chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season and cleaned if necessary. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if not properly cleaned. Using a fireplace two or three times a week during the winter may result in a one-quarter inch of creosote accumulation over a two-year period. Always protect the home and the family by using a sturdy screen when burning fires. Remember to burn only wood -- never burn paper or trash, which can float out the chimney and ignite the roof or a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. If purchasing a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes. Wood Stoves Be sure a wood or coal stove bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory and meets local fire codes. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper installation, use and maintenance. Chimney connections and flues should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season and cleaned periodically. Follow the same safety rules for wood stoves as for space heaters. Burn only wood, and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and hot coals. Check with the local fire department and local code officials before having a wood stove installed. Stay safe while staying warm this winter.