As winter approaches, residential heating fires are on the rise

Winter months mean an increase in fire claims for home insurance companies

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating fires were the second most common cause of residential fire loss in 2006. With 44 percent of heating fires occurring in December, January and February, homeowners should take safety precautions to protect their family and home from fire damage and loss this winter.

Confined heating fires, such as fires in chimneys, flues, fuel boxes or boilers account for 86 percent of all heating fires. For this reason, homeowners should always be sure to clean out their chimneys and flues before starting a fire in their fireplace this winter. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends hiring a professional, National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) chimney inspector who will address all fire risks and perform an inspection that meets NFPA inspection standards.

Other heating fires are often caused by the misuse or failure of heating equipment. According to the NFPA, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires from 2002-2005 was heating equipment being placed too close to things that can burn such as furniture, clothing, mattresses and bedding. Space heaters have been found to be the most dangerous of all heating equipment as they are often placed close to beds and other furniture in common living areas in order to maximize heating. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following tips for safe function:

· When selecting a space heater, buy one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory

· Select a space heater with a guard around the flame or heating element area

· Never use or store flammable liquids around a space heater

· Always keep space heaters at least 3 feet from objects

· NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or leave the immediate area where the heater is functioning.

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