State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and all the members of the Massachusetts fire service are concerned that high energy prices this winter might also lead to an increase in fires from heating. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires in Massachusetts. It is important to Keep Warm, Keep Safe this winter.

With the high cost of fuels, many of us might be tempted to skimp on preventive maintenance, but that could be penny wise and pound foolish. Furnaces and chimneys should be checked by a professional every year before the start of the heating season.

Unvented kerosene heaters are illegal in Massachusetts because they are so dangerous, but if you shop in neighboring states they may be for sale legally. Be safe and leave them out of state. They pose not only a fire risk, but also produce carbon monoxide.

Wood, pellet and coal stoves require a permit from the local building inspector to ensure they are installed safely and properly.

Space heaters can provide a little extra warmth in a cold or drafty corner or shop, but are not designed to replace household heating systems. One of every 14 space heater fires results in a fire death. Also, using extension cords with space heaters causes a lot of electrical fires.

Fire Safety Basics

Be sure to cover the fire safety basics:

Smoke Alarm Safety

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Practicing Home Fire Drills

Here are some links to home heating safety information:

Department of Fire Services

Thinking of installing a wood, coal or pellet stove or already have one?

Learn how to use space heaters safely.  1 of every 10 space heater fires causes a death. Space heaters often cause electrical fires too.

Department of Public Health

Easy-to-Read Factsheets

Home Heating Safety - English 

Home Heating Safety - Spanish 

National Fire Protection Association

Keeping Your Community Safe and Warm A tool kit for fire educators to help promote heating safety in their own community. It contains: talking points, easy-to-read and reproduce flyers, sample press releases and letters to the editor, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), statistics on home heating fires and information on national fuel assistance programs.

U.S. Fire Administration

The U.S. Fire Administration has information on home heating fires and preventing them. They have statistical studies and public education resources about home heating safety on their website. Be aware that the use of unvented kerosene heaters is illegal in Massachusetts because of the danger of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fuel Assistance Programs

The following places have information on heating assistance programs, the laws on shutting off utilities in the winter months and helpful consumer information.

The Executive Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

The Massachusetts Department of Energy , Check their website, or call 1-800-351-0077 or email doer@state.ma.us.

The Attorney General’s Office