Springfield, IL – With cold air expected to sweep into Illinois this weekend, fire officials are reminding residents to use extra caution when heating their homes. The Illinois State Fire Marshal issued a winter safety alert Friday, emphasizing that space heaters need space to operate safely.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), 32% of all home heating fires are caused by space heaters, and more fires occur during the cold winter months than at any other time of year.
Officials recommend keeping anything that can burn at least three feet away from a heating device and to never leave space heaters unattended. Additionally, heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet—not an extension cord—to prevent electrical fires.
Residents are also urged to inspect heating systems annually, keep vents clear of dust, and install carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of poisoning.
“Stay warm, but stay safe,” officials said, reminding Illinoisans that taking a few precautions can prevent deadly fires this winter season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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