Half of home heating fires in the U.S. are reported during the months of December, January and February. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department wants to remind San Diegans that these fires can cause major damage, and they can be avoided. In fact, a few simple safety tips and precautions can prevent most heating fires from happening this winter holiday season. 

The magic number is 3: 

• Keep kids and anything that can burn at least 3-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace or portable space heater. 

Things to check: 

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional.  

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month. 

Remember: 

• Plug electric-powered space heaters into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.  
• Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.  
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 
• Do not use your oven to heat your home. 
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.  
• Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. 

For more safety tips from the Fire-Rescue Department, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/safety/tips.