As summer fades into fall, the cooler weather has already
initiated the use of home heating equipment in some parts of the
U.S. And as exemplified by a recent tragedy in Chicago,
residents using these heat sources should exercise caution. A
two-month-old girl died last week from a fire initiated by a
space heater that was apparently placed too close to a bed.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the intense flames prevented
firefighters from rescuing the infant from the apartment, which
had nonworking smoke alarms. The girl's mother was burned in a
rescue attempt, and the fire displaced 30 people, including 12
children, states the Tribune. NFPA recommends keeping space
heaters and other types of heating equipment at least three feet
from anything that can burn. Download the heating safety tip
sheet for other ideas on keeping your residence safe from fire.