It is best to burn wood dried at least one year and also recommended cleaning the chimney when a quarter-inch or more creosote is visible, he added. That helps to burn out any creosote deposits in the chimney. Baisden said the department gets occasional calls from people who have bought wood stoves at garage sales and are seeking the proper installation tips. The improper use of portable space heaters also contribute to fire danger. Heaters must be kept away from walls, couches, furnaces, curtains and other combustible materials.
Proper maintenance is important.
Clean the heating element properly, keep the fan or blower in good condition and make sure the proper fuel source is being used. Baisden offered some other tips. Don't hook them up with extension cords and make sure they have a tip-over switch that shuts off the heater if it is turned over. Speaking on smoke detectors, Baisden said the preferred position for each detector is on the ceiling, but added walls are acceptable when the detector is positioned properly. Batteries in smoke detectors should be changed twice a year.