Home fires often occur during the cold winter due to dangerous heating equipment or unsafe practices. CAL FIRE has some important safety tips to help keep the home safe and warm this winter.

Never use flammable liquids or excessive amounts of paper to start or accelerate a fire. Charcoal gives off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. Do not burn it indoors. Keep flammables away from heat sources. Wood stoves require a 36” clearance from combustible surfaces.

The use of kerosene heaters inside the home is prohibited in California.

Keep children away from heat sources. Never leave a fire unattended. Wood stoves should be UL approved. Never attempt to heat a structure with a device that was designed for outdoor use, such as a camp stove. Have a professional inspect and clean the chimney, stovepipe and/or furnace annually. Do not attempt repairs yourself.

Keep a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace opening. Make sure the damper is open before lighting. Check furnace control and emergency shut-offs to be sure they are working properly.

For more safety tips visit: www.fire.ca.gov.