GREENE COUNTY — As the Miami Valley continues to experience extremely cold temperatures, many are doing what they can to stay warm.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30 p.m., the Miami Valley is experiencing sub-zero temperatures and many people are staying inside and warm, but using things like space heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Body recovered from SUV in Great Miami River
- Two students shot in Tennessee school shooting
- Officer faces charges in connection to ‘unexpected’ death of K-9 partner
A house on West Parkwood Drive in Fairborn caught fire around 9:30 last night because the homeowners were using a kerosene torpedo heater to try and thaw water pipes underneath the house.
Fairborn Fire Department officials told News Center 7 no one was hurt, but damages are estimated to cost more than $30,000.
“Fire safety is important all year round, but in the wintertime in particular, we really focus a lot on heating appliances,” Dayton Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Brad French said.
French said he has seen people using all kinds of methods to warm their homes, including an oven and stovetop.
“They’re not designed to do so and certainly also run the risk when they’re run for an extended period,” French said.
He also said that space heaters can be good for fighting the cold, but only if they are used correctly.
“Have at least three feet of clear space around a space heater free of any combustible objects, you know, things that can heat up very quickly and can get a fire going very rapidly,” French said.
Some heating appliances give off carbon monoxide. French called it the silent killer because it has no color or smell.
“Carbon monoxide can be very dangerous. And there are tragic incidents that occur across the country every single year,” French said.
French shared some basic steps that residents can take to better protect themselves and minimize damage if a fire does happen.
“Check those smoke alarm batteries, make sure that you have smoke alarms on every level of your home inside and outside, every sleeping area,” French said.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group