Ind. fire marshal warns of heating dangers

INDIANAPOLIS — State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson is warning Indiana residents to heat their homes properly as the weather gets cooler to avoid the risk of fires.

Greeson says heating equipment accounted for nearly 10 percent of all home fires last year and was involved in more than 600 such fires.

He says people should never use an oven to heat their homes and should take precautions with other heat sources. He reminds people that space heaters need space and that other combustibles such as curtains, blankets and clothing should be kept at least three feet away.

He also says the proper grade of fuel should be used for liquid-fueled space heaters. Gasoline should never be used in any heater not approved for gasoline.