Home heating is culprit in many Sisters fires

“Keep what’s hot away from what’s not.” That’s the advice of Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Marshal Dave Wheeler on how to prevent home heating fires.

“We’ve had seven structural fires in the past 14 months and that’s more than average,” Wheeler said. “Most of these fires were caused by some combustible objects coming too close to a heat source in the home.”

Wheeler pointed out that last week’s garage fire in Crossroads is the second fire in recent months started by a baseboard heater. “That fire was started by combustible materials being placed too close to the baseboard heater. We have other fires started by a space heater in a motor home that destroyed the motor home, cars, and the barn where they were stored,” he added. “Bathroom heaters, a wood stove and a propane water heater have caused other fires.”

Central Oregon homes are filled with potentially dangerous sources of heat, including fireplaces, space heaters, candles and wood or pellet stoves. Too many fires are being started by things left too close to these heat sources, such as window curtains, papers, boxes, and furniture, Wheeler said.

Wheeler suggests giving all heaters space to operate, putting at least 36 inches of empty space around them. He also suggests vacuuming heaters to remove dust, not using heaters unless adults are present, making sure heaters are turned off when you leave the home or go to bed and using only UL-approved heaters.

“To be really safe, your heater should have a tip-over shut-off function,” Wheeler added. “Never use extension cords with space heaters. That’s a common cause of house fires.”

State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr agrees with these guidelines.

“I urge safety in your efforts to stay warm,” she said. “In the winter months, most residential fires in Oregon are home heating related and most of these fires are due to human error.”

Orr also suggests an annual cleanup and inspection of your chimney and fireplace by a certified chimney sweep.

She advises that residents place ashes in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that burns.