Heaters are a major cause of fires, especially during winter.

 

  • NEVER leave clothes near the heater if leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Check clothing regularly if drying near a heater.
  • DO NOT sit too close to the heater.
  • Clean and maintain chimneys and heater flues annually.
  • Maintain heaters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • DO NOT leave your heater door open or remove screens on open fires.
  • Supervise children near heaters and open fires.
  • Always place ashes in a metal container. Dispose of ashes well clear of your home and pour water over them.
Heating
Heating fact sheet (PDF)

Remember: 2 metres from the heater!

Don’t place clothing or any flammable material too close to heaters – it should be at least two metres from any source of heat. Use fire screens at all times with open fires.
 

2 meters from the heater
Ash disposal

Be careful with the disposal of ashes from the hearth or wood heater. Ashes can take up to 5 days to cool. 

Outdoor heater

Never use an outdoor heater indoors.

Hot tips

  • Make sure home heating, including flues and chimneys, are regularly cleaned and serviced.
  • Extinguish open fires before leaving home or going to sleep.