Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 15, 1994                   TAG: 9401150091
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RENEE SHAFER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

USE SPACE HEATERS WITH CARE

With temperatures expected to drop into the single digits this weekend and next week, their lowest in five years, homeowners will be tempted to plug in auxiliary space heaters. But for safety's sake they may be better off just putting on a sweater and throwing another blanket on the bed.

"Auxiliary heat is not the best way to do it," says Donald Gillispie, Roanoke County fire marshal. "People go looking for the cheapest, hottest form of heat. It's a quick fix and it's dangerous."

"The No. 1 cause of fire deaths in Virginia is heating," said Marion Long, information systems manager at the Department of Fire Programs in Richmond. "We're in the heating months now, so it's not unusual to see the number of deaths."

As the temperatures drop, the number of heating-related fires goes up. In Roanoke County, for example, 16 occurred in December, when the average temperature was 36 degrees, while only five occurred in November, when the temperature averaged 47 degrees. From 1983 to 1991 there were 1,214 fire deaths in Virginia; 31 percent occurred in January and December.

The devices for auxiliary heating are not the danger - people who use them improperly are, Gillispie says. The most common mistake is placing the heat source too close to combustible materials - for instance, curtains, bed linens or newspapers. Safety manuals suggest leaving 36 inches around any space heater. Baseboard openings should be kept clear of long curtains and furniture.

Improper ventilation poses another problem. Many heat sources release dangerous fumes that may be flammable or deadly, like carbon monoxide. "All fuel-burning heaters must have adequate combustion air and ventilation," said Bill Fowler, a plumbing and mechanical inspector with the Engineering and Inspections Department of Roanoke County. Flue pipes must be kept clear, and chimneys should be cleaned periodically of soot or other buildup.

"The majority of heating-related fires this winter have been chimney fires," said Capt. Pat Counts of the Salem Fire Department. "People get lazy about keeping their chimney clean of buildup. That closes off the throat of the chimney, causing the hot gases to build up. Heat will radiate throughout the chimney and can ignite any wood structures, like a deck or roof sheeting and trusses."

Improper fueling methods or use of the wrong type of fuel creates another fire hazard. This occurred in a fire Tuesday that killed a 2-year-old girl after a Christiansburg teen-ager threw gasoline on a wood-burning stove.

In Henry County, six people have died in fires this year. On Jan. 1, four people died when a backboard overheated a wall stud, which caught on fire. Two people died on Jan. 8 when an electrical cord overheated in a living room.

"No matter what type of heat you use, it should be inspected regularly by a certified technician," Fowler said. "Oil furnaces need filters and nozzles cleaned or replaced - they should be checked every one or two years. Gas furnaces, maybe every three to five years. Check the manufacturer recommendations."

Never buy an appliance unless it has been tested. Look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratory), FM (Factory Mutual), AGA (American Gas Association) or ETL (Electrical Testing Lab) label.

If your primary source of heat is not enough, Gillispie suggests improving the insulation around your home. Close up openings, seal holes, install storm windows and weatherstripping. It all lowers energy costs and reduces the need for auxiliary heating.

"If you do need auxiliary heating, make sure it has safety features. I recommend one that uses a heating fluid instead of a heating element that you can come in direct contact with," Gillispie said.

"All types of heaters are safe as long as they are used properly. A little common sense and proper precautions, like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, make a difference." Gillispie said. "Don't buy any heating equipment unless it comes with an operating manual. Read it, understand it and then call your local fire and prevention agency if you have any questions."