Space heaters can be dangerous

The dangers of space heaters are especially concerning this time of year.

With temperatures hitting below freezing people are either taking out their space heaters or flocking to stores to purchase one.

Lowe’s Assistant Sales Manager, Billy Skinner said he’s seen a lot of space heaters flying off the shelves.

In Dubois, space heaters are blamed for a house fire.

The homeowner and his dog escaped the fire but the home is likely a complete loss said the Clark County Sheriff’s Office

According to the National Fire Protection Association space heaters accounted for one third of home heating fires , and four out of five of home heating fire deaths.

“The challenges with the space heaters are to keep them clear from things that could get too hot and catch on fire,” said Scott Grimmett, fire inspector for Idaho Falls Fire Department.

“Three feet to keep them away from things that would ignite like a trash can or plastic,” said Grimmett.

January is the biggest month for house fires said Grimmett.

According to The National Fire Protection Association, space heaters contribute to more than 17,600 structure fires in the U.S., each year.