Mayor Warns of Hazards After Space Heater Fire Rips Through Morristown House

Just a few days after a house fire destroyed a Morristown residence, Mayor Tim Dougherty is warning residents of potential dangers during the winter.

Police and fire were dispatched to a home at 30 Rosemilt Place at 11:44 p.m. Saturday night for a rapidly growing fire, which began in the garage.

According to previous reports, the fire began as a result of a space heater placed too close to combustible materials, like paper, clothing and curtains.

As a result, Dougherty has issued fire safety tips to Morristown residents, saying:

• Use heaters on the floor. Do not place them on furniture, which could create a trip/fall hazard.
• Do not use heaters in wet or moist places such as bathrooms.
• Do not use extension cords or run the cords under carpets or rugs.
• Use only UL listed heating appliances that include tip over switches that shut the heater off if it is tipped over.
• Do not place heaters within 5 ft. of bedding, clothing, drapes etc. Do not use heaters to dry wet clothes or in an area where clothing or other objects can fall on the heater.
• Ensure that working smoke alarms are present in your home or apartment. It is recommended to have an alarm on each level as wells as in outside sleeping areas and bedrooms.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month. Change batteries if necessary.
• Establish an escape plan should a fire occur and make sure everyone in your household knows exactly what to do.
• Practice that plan and be aware of you household’s escape time.

“Many of us don’t think much about it,” said Dougherty in a statement. “We move on with our days, our lives, believing we know what to do should a fire occur. ‘Stop, drop and roll’. We all have heard it as children and it’s certainly important. But there are things you can do to prevent even getting to that point and it’s important that they are highlighted as well. Most home fires are preventable with more awareness and diligence. We don’t want our residents to find out the hard way.”

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