Knoxville Fire Chief Cal Wyman provides some tips to help prevent fires this winter. Electric space heaters cause a lot of fires as do electric fireplaces. Even gas and wood burning fireplaces need to be watched very close.

Chief Wyman tells KNIA/KRLS News, “We see an increase in fires during this time of year due to the use of alternative heating equipment. So the big thing is make sure that you put the electric heater with the UL or third party tested. You keep everything three feet away.”

Also make sure the wood burning fireplaces have been cleaned and inspected annually.