Attention Fire Hazard: Tips for Safe Use of Fireplace, Tiled Stove, or Heater

When the damp cold fog creeps under the skin outside, the desire for a cozy warm, crackling fireplace increases. However, indoor fireplaces also pose a "serious risk," as demonstrated by the Fire Prevention Office (BSV) of Upper Austria on Friday. Wood stoves, fireplaces, and even electric heaters significantly increase the risk of fire. Together with the Upper Austrian Senior Citizens' Association, the BSV provided tips for safe operation.

The basic requirement for the operation of all fireplaces is that there is sufficient air supply and reliable exhaust management. Especially in well-insulated buildings with residential ventilation or exhaust fans, the air supply should be professionally clarified. The potentially deadly danger of improper heating was illustrated by BSV spokesperson Günther Schwabegger with figures: "In Upper Austria, around 1,100 fires occur annually with damages starting at 2,000 euros - about one in ten is due to heating. In Austria, one in ten fire-related deaths is associated with fireplaces."

Leave Tiled Stove Door Open After Lighting

To prevent an explosion of tiled stoves, the stove door should be left open after lighting until no flames are visible. If the door is closed too early, incomplete combustion occurs, and unburned, flammable gases can form, which may explode, it was informed.

In open fireplaces, sparks flying meters away and burning or smoldering wood falling out can set fire to floor coverings, upholstered furniture, curtains, or clothing. This can be avoided with a spark guard, according to the advice.

In the supposedly cooled ash, embers can still be hidden for up to 72 hours, according to the BSV. For safe disposal, only metal containers with tightly closing metal lids should be used, as stated in the documents for the press conference in Linz.

No Clothing on Electric Heaters

Especially older electric heaters can become dangerous if defects occur due to damaged cables or plugs. And as a general rule: never place paper or clothing on heaters. The Upper Austrian Senior Citizens' Association sees it as its duty to inform older people about the safe handling of heating, said Upper Austria's chairman Josef Pühringer.

(APA/Red)

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