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Home Heating Fire

Beat the Home Heating Fire Risk

Increasing fuel and utility prices have led many homeowners to use alternate heating methods. Supplemental heating sources add warmth — and considerable fire risks — to your home.

Today, one-third of the U.S. population uses fireplaces, wood stoves or other portable fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. This practice can be dangerous. For example, a home where a space heater is the primary heat source is three to four times more likely to have a heating fire than a home where a central heating system is the primary source of heat.

Heating Fire Causes

Major causes of home heating fires include:

Failure to clean wood burning devices.
Lack of proper ventilation around space heaters.
Improper heater refueling.
Simple human error.

Supplemental Heating Fire Safety

Proper placement and use of supplemental heating equipment will help prevent fires:

Allow at least 3 feet of open space on all sides of space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces.
Refuel your heater only when it is cool.
Refuel the heater away from open flames such as pilot lights, candles or lit cigarettes.
If you use a space heater, choose one with a "tip switch" that automatically shuts off the unit if it is tipped over to prevent a space heater fire.
Be sure that your wood or coal stove is properly installed and up to code.
Have wood or coal stoves, fireplaces and chimneys inspected yearly. Clean regularly.

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This auto and home insurance program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. CA License #5152. In Washington, the auto program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and the home program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company. In Michigan, the auto and home programs are underwritten by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. The homeowners product is not available in all areas, including the state of Florida. Specific features, credits, and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify.

In Texas, the auto program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford Underwriters General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. In Texas, the home program is underwritten Hartford Fire Insurance Company.