Space heaters can be a great tool to keep you warm through the winter months, but if they’re not used properly they can become a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 86% of fire deaths are attributed to stationary and portable space heaters. Ainsworth Fire Chief Waylon Schultz says there are ways to prevent these kinds of fires, “The important part of using space heaters is not to plug them into power strips, plug them directly into a wall socket. Don’t leave them unattended, only use them if you’re going to be home and around them. Make sure they’re out of the way of kids and pets being able to knock them over.” In addition to using heating devices safely, Schultz recommends making sure that smoke detectors around the home are working properly.