(Dover, Ohio) – A local fire department is urging safety when it comes to heat sources in the home.
Colder temperatures have hit the Tuscarawas Valley and according to the National Fire Protection Association, 15% of home fires start from space heaters or wood stoves coming into close contact with flammable materials.
Dover Fire Captain Brooks Ross says that one thing to keep in mind when it comes to stoves or fireplaces is to have the flue properly cleaned.
“One of the problems too is if the ductwork for the flue gets really hot and you’ve got to make sure it’s installed properly.”
He points out that a minimum of 3 feet should be clear around a heat source and to place a gate at chimneys.
“To catch any embers that come out. They make rugs too that are flame resistant.”
In the United States, from 2012 to 2016, over 355,000 home structure fire occurred causing $6.5 billion in property damage and contributed to more than 2,500 deaths, according to the NFPA.
This article was written by Mary Alice with our news affiliate, WTUZ Radio.