Space Heater Safety: Preventing Heater-Related Fires

Space heaters are involved in roughly 25,000 home fires and 300 deaths annually in the United States, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These fires are almost entirely preventable with one critical habit: maintaining the required clearance.

The NFPA requires keeping space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn—bedding, curtains, clothing, furniture, and papers. This clearance exists because radiant heaters can ignite materials through sustained heat exposure even without direct flame contact.

Purchase only space heaters that have been tested and certified by a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories. These heaters include safety features like automatic shutoff if tipped over and overheat protection that cheaper, uncertified units lack.

Never leave a space heater running unattended or while sleeping. If you must use a space heater in a bedroom, place it on a level surface away from foot traffic and bedding, and set the thermostat so it turns off before temperatures become dangerous.