Putting the freeze on winter fires
Every winter, firefighters respond to numerous calls of space heater-related accidents, sometimes with tragic results.
As winter approaches, thousands of City of Ekurhuleni’s residents will rely on the convenience of space heaters to warm up chilly homes, and firefighters are bracing for calls.
According to the City’s DEMS, alternative heating sources such as space heaters remain the leading causes of house fires. Every winter, firefighters respond to numerous calls of space heater-related accidents, sometimes with tragic results.
“Simple safety procedures can mitigate issues or challenges with indoor heating devices,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.
He added that ranked as one of the leading cause of fires in homes, space heaters and braziers are the cause of most fire-related deaths during winter months.
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“These fires are likely to occur between midnight and early morning hours. “It’s important to remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.”
DEMS’s few simple steps to prevent destructive fires:
• Keep anything that can burn at least a metre away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
• Have a metre “child-free zone” around home fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year before usage by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop embers from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
“During winter season as temperatures dip, it is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant in the prevention of fires while keeping warm,” said Ntladi.
Emergency numbers to keep on hand:
• 011 458 0911 for life-threatening emergencies in Ekurhuleni
• 10177 the national toll-free emergency number
• 112 from any cellphone.
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