Fire officials sound alert on heating season (new wood/space heaters)

[phantom power]

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, oil prices soared amid an energy crisis. Predictably, there was a surge in the number of people turning to alternative means - such as electric space heaters and wood stoves - to warm their homes.

And, predictably, there was a surge in house fires and deaths.

Fast forward a quarter of a century to a time of soaring oil prices amid an energy crisis. With good reason, fire officials worry that history is about to repeat itself.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/10/fire_officials_sound_alert_on.html?category=Fires

[TankLV]

1. What may be worse, is people using gas fireplaces to burn WOOD...!

While I don't know what kind of fireplace these people have, I have heard of many persons here in Vegas that say this comming winter, they plan to burn wood in their fireplaces to save on gas...

I hope they have looked carefully at weather these fireplaces can even burn wood at all...

[pansypoo53219]

2. i have a collection

of old space heaters. 1910ish to 1950. use a 20's copper dish model in the tiled bathroom. usually remember to unplug it, but a few times left on. just have to keep flammables away. usually you can leave them on safely. but best you keep an eye on them. the copper dish ones work the best.

[HillRodWins]

3. It doesn't help the matter

when they all come from China now.