CHARLESTON As temperatures drop in West Virginia, the state Fire Marshal says residential fires are becoming more common as people try to stay warm.
Despite cooking appliances being the leading cause of house fires year-round, heating devices can pose significant dangers during colder months.
State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree advised homeowners to inspect wood stoves, space heaters, and other heating devices before use, especially if they were stored during warmer months. He also recommended having heat pumps and furnaces professionally inspected to ensure safe operation.
Tyree told MetroNews that using kitchen stoves as a heating source can be dangerous because they are not designed for continuous use. Space heaters also pose risks if operated without adequate clearance from flammable materials or used for extended periods.
"You have combustibles too close, anything from a waste basket to other combustibles that are easy and likely to burn when you use an appliance that you don’t normally use as primary heat,” Tyree said.
Homeowners are urged to maintain sufficient space around heating devices, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, and replace smoke alarms every ten years. Tyree also stressed the importance of installing functional carbon monoxide alarms, whether plug-in or permanent, to protect against hazardous fumes.
He says early warnings from detectors provide the best chance for individuals to escape safely in the event of a fire.
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