Up in flames: What does it take to start a space heater fire?


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SALT LAKE CITY — Two recent house fires along the Wasatch Front were sparked by space heaters and complications with their wiring. Because of this, firefighters and the Red Cross of Utah are urging consumers to be cautious with the handy heating machines.

"Seems like every year we are responding to fires started by space heaters," said Jasen Asay, spokesman for the Salt Lake City Fire Department.

To see just how quickly these fires can start, KSL News met up with Asay and other Salt Lake City firefighters at the department's training facility Monday.

It did not take long for our space heater to turn glowing red and crank out a lot of heat — but an actual fire was somewhat hard to come by.

A sheet draped over the heater melted in a matter of minutes but did not catch fire, and the heater turned off by itself.

"It's nice to know that newer models have some great safety features," Asay said.

We also draped a child's T-shirt over the device. It got charred after a couple of minutes, but the heater again kicked off.

It wasn't until a firefighter poked a small piece of wood through the grates of the heater that all went up in flames.

In the end, our experiments showed newer models should be safe.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people are still using the older models," Asay said.

Shortly after a piece of wood was placed inside a hot space heater, the device erupted in flames. The finding was the result of several experiments KSL News conducted with the help of Salt Lake City firefighters at the department's training facility Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. (Photo: Salt Lake City Fire Department)
Shortly after a piece of wood was placed inside a hot space heater, the device erupted in flames. The finding was the result of several experiments KSL News conducted with the help of Salt Lake City firefighters at the department's training facility Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. (Photo: Salt Lake City Fire Department)

Regardless of the model, a space heater can still be a fire hazard.

"A lot of times, it's where you put it and how you manage it," said Heidi Ruster, CEO of the Red Cross of Utah.

She recommends putting space heaters on stable, flat surfaces that are not combustible. Also, users shouled keep 3 feet of clearance around the space heater and give it a good visual inspection.

"We put them too close to one item or another and it catches something on fire," Ruster said.

"If any of the wiring or plug looks faulty, or doesn't look good, don't use it," she added.

Finally, never assume it is fine when you walk away.

"We recommend that you never leave your space heater unattended, you never leave it running while you sleep or when you leave the room," Asay said.

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Jed Boal

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