Ledger Staff Writer

With frigid temperatures here to stay for awhile, many residents are utilizing alternate heating methods.

In some cases, those heat sources could bring more than just comfortable temperatures.

Kerosene heaters are just one source of warmth that bring added danger.

In mid-November, Gaffney firefighters responded to a house fire on Temple Street to find flames shooting out the front door and living room window of the home. The home’s tenant was refueling her kerosene heater using a siphon pump when the device blew up and caused the blaze. The house was damaged extensively. She and her children escaped.

The Gaffney Fire Department has offered some tips to help avoid a similar catastrophic fire this winter season.

When heating with kerosene, be sure to always store kerosene in a container intended for the fuel. Do not use a gasoline can or one that has contained gas in the past. Generally, kerosene containers are blue while gas containers are red.

Always fill the kerosene heater outside the home, away from any combustible materials. Only fill the tank after the heater has been turned off and cooled. Do not fill the tank above the “full” mark so the fuel will have room to expand without leaking.

Only purchase 1-K grade kerosene from a certified kerosene dealer. Different grades can look the same but types other than 1-K release more pollutants into a home.

Kerosene heaters can release low levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide which can lead to harmful exposure, especially to persons with respiratory and circulatory problems.

To ensure you are not exposed to harmful levels of pollutants, use the heater in a room that has cross ventilation and keep an outside window open approximately an inch. Also, keep the wick clean, at its proper level and in good condition by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

In case of a kerosene heater flare-up, never move or carry the heater because it will make the fire worse. If possible, turn off the manual shut-off switch. Otherwise, leave the house immediately and call 9-1-1.

Other heating methods, like wood stoves and fireplaces, can also be fire hazards if not used properly.

Keep all chimney flues cleaned, especially at the beginning of the wood-burning season and only use wood products. Paper, cloth, garbage and plastics don’t burn clean and stick to the sides of the chimney.

“You end up with a layer of combustible material (in the chimney) and that’s what will eventually catch fire,” said Nathan Ellis, fire inspector for the Gaffney Fire Department. “It’s kind of like the arteries in your body, stuff builds up on them if you put the wrong stuff in there.”

Chimney fires begin when combustible materials catch fire and heat up the chimney, igniting the combustible material that the bricks are touching, Ellis said.

When using a fireplace use a fire screen and always keep combustible materials a safe distance away.

“Make sure the areas around the fireplace are protected from embers falling out,” he said.

Install at least one smoke detector near each sleeping area and on each level of the house.