Heating devices are No. 1 cause of winter fire deaths

Problems with home heating equipment were the leading cause of fire deaths in American homes between December and February last winter, according to a recent report from the National Fire Protection Association.

The report estimated that 406 people died and 1,350 were injured in 59,700 home heating fires nationwide in 1999.

One-third of home fire deaths occurred during the winter months.

According to the NFPA, the major causes of home heating fires include: lack of regular chimney cleaning in fireplaces and wood stoves, flammable items placed too close to space and portable heaters; installation and design flaws with heating equipment; fueling errors with liquid- or gas-fueled heaters; and portable or space heaters left unattended.

In 1997, 400 fires caused by Christmas tree ignitions resulted in 14 deaths, 24 injuries and $10.3 million in property damage.

And in the 1993-1997 holiday periods, candles were responsible for 8,690 fires, 104 deaths and 947 injuries.