In a strange coincidence, at 12:45 this morning the AAFD was dispatched to a possible structure fire with a basement full of smoke on Ridge Road in the Township. Investigation revealed that the filter of a furnace had ignited. Luckily the fire remained contained within the furnace unit. With the weather changing and the nights getting colder, the first topic of Fire Prevention Week was planned to be home heating appliances and their appropriate use and maintenance. It seems our timing was perfect.

According to NFPA statistics, 13% of all residential structure fires were the result of home heating appliances between the years of 2016 and 2020, with 18% resulting in the death of one or more of the home’s occupants. More than half of home heating appliance fires occur between the months of October and February.

As in the case of our fire this morning, all furnaces should be checked on a yearly basis, with the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and servicing procedures as well as regular filter replacement. Dirty filters can prevent proper air flow within the furnace, creating flame spread or causing your filter to be sucked into the system. A dirty filter also causes your fan to use more energy to circulate air, causing short cycling and overheating of the fan motor, causing it to burn up.

In the part rural, part suburban area the AAFD serves, we also see a large number of alternate home heating sources that result in fires, especially chimneys from fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. It is recommended that all chimneys be inspected and cleaned once a year. Chimney cleaning logs, or Creosote Sweeping Logs, are NOT a substitute for regular chimney cleaning and inspection. It is still mandated by NFPA 211 that all chimneys and flues be cleaned and inspected yearly. Creosote logs only loosen the creosote built up in the chimney, causing it to fall from the walls and lining with the intention of being easily swept from the chimney box or burned off in it’s next use. The problem with this is large deposits may loosen but not clear the flue, creating a blockage and risking a chimney fire. Do not use these products as a substitute for regular cleaning and inspection.

If burning in the fireplace, a sturdy screen should be used to prevent embers from escaping and igniting carpeting or home furnishings. Any easily ignitable materials and all furnishings should be kept at least three feet from any fireplaces or other heating sources. A three-foot “kid-safe” zone should also be enforced by parents or guardians.

The major source of home heating fires stems from electric or space heaters. Space heaters account for more than 33% of all home heating equipment fires. There should be no objects within three feet or more if possible, including walls. Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet, preferably with no other electric appliances plugged in with it. Space heaters should NEVER be plugged into power strips or extension cords. This creates a fire hazard from too much draw on the electric breakers, causing overheating of the power strip or cord. Power strips or extension cords used in conjunction with electric and space heaters is the biggest cause of fires in their use.

Below is a list of precautions from the NFPA regarding home heating appliances.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.

• Maintain a three-foot “kid-free zone” around home fires and space heaters.

• Never use your oven to heat your home.

• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, and central heating equipment according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected and cleaned every year by a qualified professional.

• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed

• Always use the appropriate type of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

• Ensure that the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop embers from flying into the room. Make sure that ashes are cool before placing them in a bin for removal.