HomeMy WebLinkAboutEFD Heating Fires
Contact: Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator
952-826-0396 • jgilgenbach@ci.edina.mn.us • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Take The Time To Prevent Heating Fires
Edina, Minn., Oct. 5, 2011 – As temperatures dip, the use of home heating equipment
increases as does the number of heating-related fires.
“This is the prime time for everyone to check their appliances to make sure they are still in
good, working order and also to remind people to keep flammables away from any heat
source,” Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer said. “Heating fires are preventable if precautions are
taken.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating-related fires cause more
than $1.1 billion in damages annually. The leading factor for fire ignitions is flammable materials
too close to a heat source.
“The best thing residents can do to prevent heating equipment-related fires are to make sure
appliances work properly and to keep combustibles away from heat sources,” Scheerer said.
The NFPA recommends keeping anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating
equipment, such as furnaces, portable space heaters, fireplaces and water heaters. It is also
important to rid chimneys of creosote, a material that builds up in chimneys from burning
wood. Creosote is estimated to have been involved in 22 percent of the nation’s home fires
between 2005 and 2009.
“Really take the time to check over your home and do what can be done to prevent fires,”
Scheerer said.
For more information, contact the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0330.
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