Fire officials offer tips for space heater safety

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — If you own a space heater, fire officials have safety reminders that are worth hearing again.

According to Madison County Fire Chief Eric Turner, most fires caused by heaters can be avoided. He says to remember that space heaters need at least a three-foot buffer zone and should never be left unattended.

Turner says space heaters are normally designed for temporary use, not for extended period of times.

“Don’t leave the house and leave them running, ’cause that’s usually when we see the problem,” Turner said. “When they run for long periods of time, that’s when they overheat.”

Turner says if you’re buying a space heater to look for one that automatically turns off if it falls over.