Fire officials urge space heater caution

The Grand Forks Fire Department's fire prevention office is warning residents to take precautions when using space heaters this fall and winter.

The use of portable, fuel-fired heaters with no vent using kerosene for fuel, for example is prohibited by the city's fire code, the department said.

Portable electric space heaters are permitted, the department noted, but safety measures should be followed during the coming fall and winter seasons:

-- Purchase and use only UL-listed electric space heaters.

-- Provide at least three feet of clearance between combustible materials and the top, sides, front and back of a space heater.

-- Plug portable electric space heaters directly into an outlet. The use of extension cords and plug strips is not allowed.

-- Never leave an in-use electric space heater unattended. If you need to leave the room, turn it off. Unplug it when you are done with it for the day.

-- Do not use an electric space heater in sleeping rooms.

-- Space heaters should be used only by adults or with adult supervision.