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Space heaters to blame in two house fires
By OBSERVER STAFF REPORTS
Two fires in the New Caney area Jan. 13 were caused by space heaters and officials urge caution with home heaters as temperatures drop.
In the first fire on Towerwoods Drive between Splendora and Grangerland at 6:30 a.m., a space heater too close to a bed started a fire that injured one occupant and resulted in a criminal investigation involving multiple agencies.
Officers from the Fire Marshal’s Office were assisted by the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force and Child Protective Services. A stolen 4-wheeler was recovered during the investigation. CPS Investigators took custody of two children ages 5 and 7 when it was determined that their mother had left them in the home without proper supervision.
A second fire was started by a space heater shortly after noon Jan. 13 on FM 1485 east of New Caney. Units again responded from New Caney, Porter and Splendora. The fire was quickly contained by firefighters but the home was damaged by the fire.
“Residents are urged to use caution heating their home with space heaters, as temperatures are forecasted to dip into the 20s and 30s over the next few nights,” said Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
Only use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Never use your oven for heating.
Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
For fuel burning space heaters, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room and burn only dry, seasoned wood. Allow ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from the home.
For wood burning stoves, install chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.
If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and windows. Call a gas service person.
Test smoke alarms at least monthly.
In the first fire on Towerwoods Drive between Splendora and Grangerland at 6:30 a.m., a space heater too close to a bed started a fire that injured one occupant and resulted in a criminal investigation involving multiple agencies.
Officers from the Fire Marshal’s Office were assisted by the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force and Child Protective Services. A stolen 4-wheeler was recovered during the investigation. CPS Investigators took custody of two children ages 5 and 7 when it was determined that their mother had left them in the home without proper supervision.
A second fire was started by a space heater shortly after noon Jan. 13 on FM 1485 east of New Caney. Units again responded from New Caney, Porter and Splendora. The fire was quickly contained by firefighters but the home was damaged by the fire.
“Residents are urged to use caution heating their home with space heaters, as temperatures are forecasted to dip into the 20s and 30s over the next few nights,” said Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
Only use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Never use your oven for heating.
Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
For fuel burning space heaters, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room and burn only dry, seasoned wood. Allow ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from the home.
For wood burning stoves, install chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.
If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and windows. Call a gas service person.
Test smoke alarms at least monthly.
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