Space heaters, alternative heating devices pose a fire risk. Here's how to use them safely

Jeff Smith, The Leader
·3 min read

On Jan. 15 in Corning, a fire caused by an auxiliary heating device claimed the life of 72-year-old William Tapper inside his Norman Street home.

Steuben County Director of Public Safety Tim Marshall says alternative heating sources are the cause of many residential fires, especially during the cold winter months.

“There are certainly a number of fires each year that are caused by alternative heating sources,” Marshall said. “It’s definitely a concern and if you look at the fire that occurred in the Bronx where 17 people died, it was caused by a space heater.”

Marshall referred to a fire started by a faulty space heater in a 19-story Bronx apartment building Jan. 9 which resulted in one of the deadliest apartment fires in U.S. history, leaving 17 people dead, including eight children.

More: Investigation begins in fatal Bronx apartment complex fire

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of residential fires in the United States.

Brad Davies, Corning City Fire Chief, said more fires happen in the winter months than any other time of the year.

“During the winter months, we spend more time indoors and sometimes use auxiliary heating devises to heat your home,” Davies said.

A picture of a damaged auxiliary heating device at a previous fire scene in the City of Corning.
A picture of a damaged auxiliary heating device at a previous fire scene in the City of Corning.

Marshall said over a recent cold weekend, local firefighters were called to multiple fires caused by alternative heating devices.

“So, it is definitely a concern,” he said. “People really need to use caution when they are using (alternate heating) units.”

Chemung County Fire Coordinator Jeff Gray and Broome County Fire Coordinator Jeffrey Buckler, each said improper use of auxiliary heating devices increases the risk of residential fires.

“(Auxiliary heating devices) need to be used not as a sole source of heating, that is their intent," Gray said, "and people have to be careful not to overload the electrical system at the house."

Davies agrees.

“It is important to keep fire safety in mind when you are heating your home,” he said.

With people staying home for longer periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers may face an increased risk for home fires, according to the New York State Firefighters Association.

How to stay safe while using alternative heat sources

Officials remind homeowners to check that their heating equipment is functioning properly and that their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors have fresh batteries.

If you are using a portable heater:

  • Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off in the event the device tips over.

  • Keep a clear space of at least three feet from any combustible materials such as bedding, curtains and clothing.

  • Plug heaters directly into the wall and never use an extension cord or power strip.

  • Turn off heaters when you go to bed or leave the room.

If you are using a fireplace:

  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from escaping.

  • Do not burn paper or cardboard in your fireplace.

  • Do not leave a fire burning when you are not home.

  • Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Store the container outside at least three feet from any combustibles.

If you are using a wood stove:

  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least annually by a qualified professional.

  • Keep combustibles at least three feet from the stove.

  • Do not burn paper or cardboard.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Fatal Corning fire one of many caused by alternative heating devices