Fires can start for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, dry brush catches on fire when a spark flies from a work tool or an electrical malfunction. Sometimes people fail to turn off the burners on their stoves or leave a candle burning when they leave home and comeback to fine their residency up in flames. Another very significant danger and high fire risk involves space heaters. Many people purchase portable heaters at their local Target or Wal-Mart and use these space heaters to warm up corners of the home that aren't touched by the central heating system. Sometimes, a portable space heater can help to keep individuals comfortable or keep the pets from getting too chilly in the garage.

While space heaters are helpful for a lot of different needs, they can also be a very dangerous fire hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that from 2008 to 2010, portable electric heaters were involved in approximately 1,200 fires per year. This is because the heaters are high-wattage appliances. They can ignite any nearby combustible materials like fabrics, paper, and flammable liquids and cause a blaze or an explosion. The back of the heater will normally become very hot, and this can cause burn wounds if a person touches the heater near the back.

Most heater accidents happen when the heater is left on and unattended. For example, if people leave their space heaters on full blast when they go out for a night on the town, they may come home to see the house in flames. Also, if people keep their space heaters on all night, this will heighten the possibility of a fire. This is why the CPSC has created important and helpful guidelines to teach consumers how to use these heaters.

For one, the CPSC recommends that consumers don't operate heaters that may be damage. Before turning the heater on make sure that the cord and the plug are not damaged and that the heater seems to be in good condition. You may want to check to make sure that the heater has not been recalled by looking on the CPSC recalled items website. If there is any possibility that the heater was recalled in the past, then do not use the product. Also, consumers should never leave heaters on when they are sleeping, or leave them on an unattended. It is important to keep the heaters away from any materials that could be combustible.

Consumers would do well to keep combustible materials like beds, sofas, and curtains at least three feet from the front sides and rear of the heater. Also, keep all papers away from the heaters and make sure not to toss clothes on or near the heater as they could catch fire. Be sure that the heater plug fits tightly into the wall outlet, and do not use the outlet to power the heater if it is not secure. Consumers should not use plug in heaters if the plug or cord, wall outlet, or plate get hot during the use. If this keeps happening, you should have a qualified electrician look at the plug or faulty wall outlet. If the cord is hot you should have the heater inspected.

It is important that you never power one of these space heaters with a power strip or an extension cord. Also, it is important that you insure that the heater is placed on a stable and level surface where it cannot be knocked over or fall, as this could cause a fire. When you purchase any space heater, make sure that it is safety-certified. A certified heater will have a certification mark, and this will reduce the risk of a fire hazard. If you are injured by a space heater burn or if the space heater causes a fire in your home, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for product liability. Talk to a local personal injury attorney to learn more about product liability lawsuits.