HEATING SYSTEMS SPARK FIRES

Heating equipment failures are one of the leading causes of all home fires, yet heating systems are necessary. Brunswick Fire Department suggests you learn how to live safely with these potential fire hazards. Caution should be used with all furnaces, heaters and wood burning devices. Residents should keep things that burn away from them and keep systems themselves in good working condition. Follow the following safety hints:

• Have a professional clean and check your system yearly, before it gets cold. Yearly maintenance may prevent a fire.
• Before installing any heating system or wood burning device, obtain a permit by calling your local fire department. Have a reputable professional perform the installation. When complete, have it inspected by the fire department.
• Have your chimney cleaned every fall. Creosote residue in the chimney can start fires which can spread rapidly.
• Have older chimneys inspected by the fire department to check for cracks.
• Never use gasoline or flammable liquids to start a fire or rekindle a small one.
• Install spark screens and caps on chimneys.
• Keep portable heaters away from curtains, beds and clothes. Purchase those that shut off automatically if tipped over.
• Keep paper, clothing, trash and other combustibles at feast three feet away from your furnace, hot water heater or wood burning device.

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