Space heater sparks Chesterfield mobile home fire, officials issue safety warning
CHESTERFIELD, VA. (WRIC) -- A mobile home in Chesterfield was destroyed by fire early this morning after a space heater ignited nearby flammable materials, leaving four people without a home. As temperatures continue to drop, fire officials are warning residents to exercise caution with heating devices to prevent similar tragedies. Henrico Fire Battalion Chief Doug Reynolds emphasized the importance of the “three-foot rule” for space heaters. “It covers everything, from your furniture, your bed, toys, pillows that may fall, but also those walls," said Chief Reynolds. He stressed the need to create a “circle of safety” around any heating device, adding that circle should be around any device you’re using. No injuries were reported in the Chesterfield fire, but space heaters are capable of reaching temperatures as high as 1,100 degrees. This makes it essential to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Another critical safety reminder from Reynolds is to avoid using extension cords with space heaters. “Never ever use an extension cord,” he advised. “It overloads it and melts it and causes issues.” He also recommended turning off space heaters at night to reduce fire risks. The four individuals displaced by the fire are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. Fire officials also remind residents of the importance of working smoke detectors in every home. Reynolds noted that local fire departments are willing to provide and install smoke detectors free of charge for those who need them.
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CHESTERFIELD, VA. (WRIC) -- A mobile home in Chesterfield was destroyed by fire early this morning after a space heater ignited nearby flammable materials, leaving four people without a home.
As temperatures continue to drop, fire officials are warning residents to exercise caution with heating devices to prevent similar tragedies.
Henrico Fire Battalion Chief Doug Reynolds emphasized the importance of the “three-foot rule” for space heaters.
“It covers everything, from your furniture, your bed, toys, pillows that may fall, but also those walls," said Chief Reynolds.
He stressed the need to create a “circle of safety” around any heating device, adding that circle should be around any device you’re using.
No injuries were reported in the Chesterfield fire, but space heaters are capable of reaching temperatures as high as 1,100 degrees. This makes it essential to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Another critical safety reminder from Reynolds is to avoid using extension cords with space heaters.
“Never ever use an extension cord,” he advised. “It overloads it and melts it and causes issues.”
He also recommended turning off space heaters at night to reduce fire risks.
The four individuals displaced by the fire are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
Fire officials also remind residents of the importance of working smoke detectors in every home. Reynolds noted that local fire departments are willing to provide and install smoke detectors free of charge for those who need them.
