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By Shaun Penner

District Fire Chief warns of improper use of heaters in cold weather

Feb 5, 2019 | 4:30 AM

The Sexsmith Fire Department is reminding people that with the frigid temperatures continuing across the region, to be cautious with the use of open flames and heaters.

As pipes and vehicles freeze, District Fire Chief Dale Widsten warns citizens to refrain from the use of open flame and heaters around combustibles devices such as gas risers and oil pans of vehicles.

“We had an issue a while ago with somebody trying to warm up their oil pan, but they were not monitoring it very closely and the vehicle ended up catching on fire,” says Widsten.

The fire department says to ensure that whenever a heater or open flame is being used, to have a one-metre buffer around them, and to ensure that anything that can catch fire be kept even further away.

“Just be very cautious and watch what you are doing. Use lots of common sense,” explains Widsten.

Widsten also notes about the importance of checking to ensure the exhaust port for your furnace is free and clear of ice, so all fumes and exhaust can escape freely, keeping carbon monoxide and combustible build up out of your home.

“We don’t want to be out there fighting fires in this weather either, because we use water and it freezes on our stuff quickly. It makes things very difficult for us too.”

by Shaun Penner