Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release
Martin OMalley Governor William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal

HEAT SOURCES AND COMBUSTIBLES

A RISKY COMBINATION
PIKESVILLE, MD (February 24, 2012) The comforts provided by space heaters, cooking a meal, light emitting devices or even an outside fire attract each of us. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is reminding Marylanders of the risks associated with combustibles too close to heat producing sources. Combustible items placed too close to a heat source is the cause of approximately 25% of the unintentional structure fires each year in Maryland, according to the Fire Marshal. The basic practice of keeping combustible items away from heat producing appliances and open flame devices can dramatically reduce the numbers of injuries, deaths and property loss attributed to these types of fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2009, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 58,900 home structure fires in the United States. These fires directly resulted in 480 fire related civilian deaths, 1,520 fire related civilian injuries and an estimated 1.1 billion dollars in direct property damage. 14% of these fires were attributed to combustibles to close to a heat source. In 2008 2010, the State of Maryland experienced 4 fire deaths, 96 civilian injuries and 100 firefighter injuries directly related to combustibles too close to heat source fires. In 2011 and 2012, 10 fire deaths have occurred as a result of these same types of fires. As a result, each year Marylanders experience approximately 78 million dollars in property loss. Practice fire safety every day. The life you save may be your own. Keep combustible items a minimum of three feet away from woodstoves, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces and other heat producing appliances. Ensure open flames such as candles are protected from coming into contact with combustible items. Keep combustible items away from stove top and grill surfaces. Dont wear loose fitting clothing around an open flame. Provide ample space around the surface of lights.

The State fire Marshal offers another important piece of life safety advice. Make sure to test the smoke alarms in your home! Working smoke alarms are one of the most effective life safety tools in preventing injury or death from fire.

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Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208