As cold weather sets in, firefighters are warning people to use heating devices safely—especially space heaters. According to Umatilla County Fire District #1 and the Toledo Fire Department, space heaters should never be plugged into a power strip because they draw high current and can easily overheat, causing fires. One misuse incident even led to a house fire after a heater ignited a couch.
Safety experts say space heaters can reach up to 600°F and must be used carefully. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports about 1,200 fires each year are caused by portable heaters. Firefighters stress that heaters are safe only when used properly: plug them directly into a wall outlet, keep at least three feet of clearance, never leave them unattended or use them while sleeping, and always place them on flat, non-flammable surfaces.
