State Fire Marshal Issues Winter Heating Safety Guidelines

As winter temperatures drop, Marylanders rely on various heating sources to stay warm. To reduce fire risks and potential fatalities, Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray has issued essential safety tips for residents. Heating equipment remains a leading cause of home fires in Maryland, and Mowbray is urging homeowners to take precautions to prevent dangerous incidents.

Residents are advised to have chimneys cleaned annually, especially if they serve as a primary heating source, and to use properly sized fireplace screens or enclosures. Flammable liquids should never be used to ignite fires in fireplaces or wood stoves. When disposing of cooled ashes, they should be placed in a metal container with a lid rather than paper, cardboard, or plastic containers, as embers can remain hot for an extended period. Fuel-burning stoves must be installed per local fire codes and manufacturer guidelines, and furnaces should undergo annual inspections and maintenance.

Portable electric heaters should be checked for damaged wiring, placed on flat surfaces, and never connected to extension cords, which could overheat and cause fires. Only UL-listed appliances should be used according to manufacturer instructions. For those using kerosene heaters, only “K-1” kerosene fuel should be used, and refueling should take place outside once the heater has cooled. It is important to note that portable kerosene heaters are banned in Baltimore City. Homes should also have proper ventilation to prevent dangerous fume buildup.

Combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and paper goods, should be kept at least three feet away from all heating sources to prevent accidental ignition. Fuel-burning appliances can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly. Installing and maintaining carbon monoxide alarms is strongly recommended for early detection. Additionally, portable heaters should always be turned off when leaving a room for extended periods, and ovens or range tops should never be used for home heating, as they are not designed for this purpose.

Ensuring that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in proper working order is another critical safety measure. These devices should be replaced every ten years to maintain effectiveness. Mowbray emphasized that regular maintenance of heating equipment, combined with functional smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, is crucial in protecting Maryland residents from fire hazards this winter.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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