Kingston Fire

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that heating equipment is the second leading
cause of home fires in the United States. Most heating equipment fires start as a result of misuse or
improper maintenance.

- Portable/Space Heaters

- Maintain a 36" clearance around all heating devices.

- Never leave children or pets unsupervised around portable heaters.

- Never place cloths close to or on portable heaters to dry.

- Always check to see that electrical wires are in good condition and not frayed.

- Purchase portable heaters that have been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

- Follow manufacturer's instructions for installation, maintenance and use.

- Portable Kerosene Heaters

- Use only the recommended fuel. NEVER USE GASOLINE, it will cause an explosion.

- Always turn the portable heater off before refueling.

- Allow the heater time to cool before refueling.

- Always refuel your kerosene heater outside to keep from spilling fuel in the house.

- Store your gasoline away from open flame or heat in an approved container that is clearly marked as to
its contents.

- Keep anything that can burn at least 36" or 3 feet away from heater.

- Fireplaces/Wood Stoves

- Have your chimney/flue inspected by a professional before every heating season, cleaned if necessary.

- Always have a sturdy screen in place in front of your fireplace.

- Burn only wood (Dry, well seasoned hardwood)

- DO NOT burn newspaper, wrapping paper, or dried greenery.

- NEVER use flammable liquids for any reason in a fireplace.

- Keep anything that can burn at least 36" or 3 feet away from fireplace.

Source: National Fire Protection Association 2001 Fire Loss in the U.S., National Fire Protection
Association 2001 U.S. Fire Problem, National Fire Protection Association Home Fire Casualties by Age and
Sex, and National Fire Data Center Fire in the United States 1989-1998 12th Edition