News: Fire marshal reminds Ohioans about heating safety

COLUMBUS -- The state fire marshal says Ohioans need to be smart when using portable heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces to keep warm this winter. Ten people died and 56 people were hurt in heating-related house fires in Ohio during 2006, the latest year for which numbers are available.

Fire Marshal Michael Bell says most home heating fires are caused by human error, when heating units are used without caution or not according to the directions.

Bell says portable space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and fireplaces and wood-burning stoves need to be cleaned out every year.

Courtesy: WKYC.COM