The Simple Space Heater Mistake That Could Set Your Home on Fire, According to Firefighters
As temperatures drop and heaters come out of storage, fire departments are urging families to avoid one critical error that could lead to disaster: plugging space heaters into power strips or extension cords.
Though it might seem like a convenient solution, firefighters nationwide—including those in Umatilla County, Oregon—are warning that this practice is extremely risky. Power strips aren’t built to handle the high energy demands of a space heater, and overloading them can cause the strip to overheat or burst into flames.
These warnings are not hypothetical. In one real-life case in Ohio, a space heater that had been plugged into a power strip ignited a nearby couch, leading to a fire that quickly consumed the house. Space heaters can reach temperatures as high as 600°F, meaning a small error can rapidly escalate into a full-blown emergency.
To use a space heater safely, experts recommend plugging it directly into a wall outlet—never an extension cord or power strip. Make sure the area around the heater stays clear by at least three feet in all directions. That means no curtains, clothing, bedding, or furniture near the unit. Additionally, space heaters should never be left on while you’re asleep or away from the room, and they should always be placed on a hard, level surface—never on a bed, carpet, or chair.
While space heaters are an effective way to stay warm during cold months, they must be handled with care. A single lapse in judgment can have devastating consequences. This winter, keep safety top of mind—because staying cozy shouldn’t come at the cost of your home.