Press releases

EFD urges residents to take the time to prevent heating fires
Edina, Minn., Dec. 7, 2011 – A recent fire caused minimal damage to an Edina home thanks to the quick actions of the homeowner and working smoke alarms. However, the fire was preventable.

Clothes that were too close to the home’s gas water heater ignited, spreading to other flammables materials. In addition, the door covering to the 1970s water heater’s pilot light may have been missing.

“This is the prime example of why everyone should check their appliances to make sure they are still in good, working order and also to keep flammables away from any heat source,” said Edina Fire Marshal Tom Jenson. “Heating fires are preventable if precautions are taken.”

The home’s working smoke alarms notified the residents of the fire. The homeowner called 9-1-1 and proceeded to put out the small blaze with a fire extinguisher.

“Early and quick action may very well have saved this home,” Jenson said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 23 percent of home water heater fires had combustibles too close to the heat source. The NFPA recommends keeping any flammable materials at least three feet from a heating source.

“The best thing residents can do to prevent heating equipment-related fires are to make sure appliances work properly and keep combustibles away from hear sources,” Jenson said.

For more information, contact the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0330.