Oregon State Fire Marshal urges caution as home heating fires rise

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As overnight temperatures dip below freezing across Oregon, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is issuing a renewed call for home heating safety after a series of recent fires — some with tragic outcomes.

Since January 1, the agency has investigated ten home fires statewide from a range of causes. Over the weekend, the Baker City Fire Department responded to two home fires linked to fireplaces and chimneys. In Portland, a 64-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after a house fire Monday morning and later died. Investigators believe the blaze was caused by an extension cord used with a portable space heater.

“These fires come as a tragic reminder of the importance of home heating fire safety, the second leading cause of home fires every year in Oregon,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Following fire safety guidance and testing smoke alarms regularly are important steps every Oregonian can take this winter.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office is sharing several safety tips to help prevent future incidents:

• Keep anything that can burn—such as paper, curtains, or bedding—at least three feet away from heating equipment.
• Plug space and portable heaters directly into wall outlets, never into extension cords or power strips.
• Have chimneys and heating equipment inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.
• Keep space heaters out of foot traffic and away from exits.
• Turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all heating equipment fires in the U.S. occur between December and February. So far this year, three fire-related deaths have been reported to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

For more home heating safety information, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website.