Heating equipment tips from the Red Bluff fire & building departments:

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States during the colder months of December, January, and February. Following a few simple rules can go a long way in ensuring that your home is not destroyed from a fire caused by your heating equipment.

All types of heating equipment are involved in home fires: portable electrical heaters, bathroom heaters, portable kerosene heaters, room gas heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, and fireplace inserts.

Common causes of fires with these types of heating equipments are: lack of regular cleaning which causes creosote build-up in wood burning equipment or dust and dirt buildup in liquid or gas heaters, fueling errors in liquid or gas fueled heating equipment, lack of space from combustible materials, unattended heating equipment, and improper installation.

Safety tips:

• When installing a new heating unit, make sure a qualified technician installs the unit and tests it. The Red Bluff City Code requires that you obtain a permit from the Building Department prior to installing a heating device in your home. Obtaining a permit is in the homeowner's best interest, since the accompanying inspection assures that the installation is done properly.
• Have your wood fireplace or wood stove inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Keep air inlets on woodstoves open to help prevent creosote buildup. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire or burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris. Use only seasoned hardwood and build small fires that burn completely. Always place cold ashes in a metal container outside and away from any structure or combustibles. Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester and remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof. Cut back tree overhangs above the chimney, flues or vents. Stack firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
• Never leave heating equipment unattended.
• When purchasing a space heater choose one that has an automatic shut off feature.
• Keep combustibles away from all heating equipment, never place clothing on heaters to dry or warm, and never place things on top of heaters like candles or decorative material.
• Portable unvented oil-burning heating appliances can not be used in residences or many businesses. Check with your local fire department if you are looking at using oil burning heating appliances.

Remember.....during this time of year, heating appliances are the leading cause of home fires. Don't take chances with your family’s safety. Make sure all heating appliances are installed correctly, and are properly maintained.

This heating equipment safety message has been presented by the City of Red Bluff, the Red Bluff Fire Department, and the National Fire Protection Association.