Brockton Fire Warns Of Space Heater Dangers After House Blaze

BROCKTON, MA — The Brockton Fire Department is urging residents to be careful when using space heaters this weekend after a recent spike in fires involving them in the city. The latest occurred early Tuesday morning when Brockton fire said an overheated extension cord leading to a space heater was the likely cause of a blaze on Field Street.

Space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet — do not use an extension cord.

A man was forced to jump from a second story window to escape the flames at about 3 a.m. One woman was treated for smoke inhalation.

The state's guidelines for proper space heater use include:

• Keep space heaters 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other things that can burn.
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Do not use an extension cord, even a heavy-duty one with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself.
• Turn off a space heater when you leave the room or when you go to bed. Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.
• Put heaters on a level surface away from places where someone might bump into it and knock it over.Supervise children and pets near space heaters.
• Buy heaters that are tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.(UL).
• Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.
• Never use an unvented kerosene heater. It is illegal to sell or use them in Massachusetts.
• Read or print the brochure Space Heater Safety in English or Space Heater Safety in Spanish for additional tips.