Don’t Let Your Home Become the Next Statistic: Maine’s Heating Fire Alert

As you all know the cold weather has officially hit our state and with that comes an important warning.

According to News Center Maine, public officials are gently reminding residents to heat their homes safely.

Yes, it seems like a very easy thing to keep in mind, but it’s also easier then you think to accidentally start a house fire as well.

As per the state fire marshal’s office, winter in Maine typically brings a higher rate of fires cause by various heating related issues.  

Stay Safe This Winter, Don’t Let Heating Fires Catch You Off Guard

Just this last month, a massive house fire in Falmouth was linked to a space heater. In Roxbury, a home was destroyed due to a wood-burning stove with a chimney issue.

The incidents listed are only just a couple of what has become an increase risk each winter in Maine.  

As per the article, the Deputy Chief Joel Davis of the state fire marshal’s office has told folks that the heated relating fires are preventable.

Davis says, “What we really encourage people to do is as it gets colder, check your smoke detector batteries, make sure they're working, And just make sure that all your exits are clear.”

Many of the fires start when items that are very combustible are placed too closely to the heaters or other warming devices. So many of these fires happen only because folks aren't checking their devices enough.

A lot of us rely on other heating sources throughout the season.

For example, space heaters, you must always follow the manufacturers instructions, keeping heaters at least three feet or more away from anything that could possibly catch fire.

Read More: Off-Duty Maine Firefighter Rescues Woman from Burning Home

And for propane heaters, refueling should never ever be done inside of your homes.

Make sure to stay up to date on checking your heating devices, adding batteries to your detectors, and always watching out for house fires.