As winter sets in, many households turn to space heaters for warmth, but firefighters warn these devices carry serious risks. A common misconception is that “any outlet or power strip can safely handle any device.” Fire departments stress this is dangerously false.

The warning gained attention when Umatilla County Fire District #1 in Oregon shared images of a melted power strip destroyed by a heater’s electrical load. “Power strips are designed for low-voltage electronics, not high-wattage appliances,” officials explained. Space heaters draw high current, which can overload strips, causing them to overheat, melt, and ignite. In Ohio, a recent fire destroyed a home after a space heater triggered a power-strip fire.

To stay safe, heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets. Firefighters also recommend keeping a “three-foot safety zone” around heaters to avoid nearby bedding, curtains, and furniture catching fire.

Placement is key: always use a flat, hard surface and never place heaters on carpet or elevated areas where they can tip over. Even modern heaters with safety features should “never run unattended or while anyone is asleep.”

These precautions reflect broader electrical safety rules: extension cords should not replace permanent wiring, and heat-producing appliances must be unplugged when not in use. By following these guidelines, households can stay warm while preventing devastating winter fires.