From 2008-2010, an average of 50,100 heating fires in residential buildings occurred in the United States each year and resulted in an annual average of approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries and $326 million in property loss.
Heating was the second leading cause of all residential fires following cooking.
Residential building heating fires peaked in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 and 8 p.m. This 4-hour period accounted for 30 percent of all residential building heating fires.
Residential building heating fires peaked in January (21 percent) and declined to the lowest point during the summer months from June to August.
Confined fires, those fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners, accounted for 87 percent of residential building heating fires.
Thirty percent of the nonconfined residential building heating fires occurred because the heat source was too close to things that can burn.
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Update on Somerset Firefighter Ed Roddy’s funeral arrangements:
All events will be Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Somerset Christian & Missionary Alliance Church located at
708 Stoystown Road, Somerset.
Viewing will be from 12:00-3:00.
A Firemen’s Memorial Service will be at 3:00. The funeral service will follow.
There will be no graveside service. Also, there will be no procession to or from the church.
Fire department representatives attending are asked not to bring apparatus because of limited parking. Car pooling is encouraged.
The Somerset Fire Department is currently seeking new members to help serve our community. Responding to almost 400 calls for service per year is a demanding job and WE NEED YOUR HELP! To learn how you can serve your community call 445.4343 for more information.
