Why you should never plug a space heater into a power strip, firefighters warn
As winter approaches, fire departments are reminding families of a dangerous mistake that could lead to deadly house fires.
As temperatures drop and heaters come out, firefighters have a serious warning: never plug a space heater into a power strip. This simple mistake can lead to devastating house fires.
When cold weather hits, many people turn to space heaters to stay warm. But few realize that plugging them into a power strip can be deadly.
Back in 2017, the Umatilla County Fire District #1 in Oregon posted a photo of a melted power strip on Facebook. The warning? Space heaters pull too much power, and these devices simply can’t handle it. “These units are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater,” the fire department wrote. “They can overheat or even catch fire due to the added energy flow.”
That post went viral, with more than 17,000 shares. Many people shared their own terrifying stories of power strips catching fire. One person said, “Good thing I woke up.” Another admitted, “I never knew this.”
A warning backed by real fires
This isn’t just a theory. In 2017, the Toledo Fire Department in Ohio responded to a fire caused by a space heater. It had been plugged in unsafely and ended up setting a couch on fire.
“If you are operating them, make sure you’re doing it safely,” said Sterling Rahe, the department’s public information officer. He added that space heaters need at least three feet of space around them and should never be left unattended.
Space heaters can get extremely hot — reaching up to 600°F. That’s hot enough to start a fire in just minutes.
The facts are alarming
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment caused about 56,000 house fires in the U.S. between 2009 and 2013. These fires led to 470 deaths, nearly 1,500 injuries, and $1 billion in property damage.
Even more troubling: nearly half of those fires happen in just three months — December, January, and February. And space heaters alone are responsible for 2 out of every 5 heating-related fires.
Safety tips you need to follow
To help keep families safe, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) shared five important tips:
- Turn off and unplug heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Keep at least three feet of space around the heater, away from anything that can burn.
- Plug heaters directly into wall outlets. Never use a power strip or extension cord, and don’t plug anything else into that outlet.
- Install smoke alarms on every floor and outside sleeping areas. Test them once a month.
- Place heaters on flat, level surfaces — never on furniture, rugs, or counters.
A simple step that could save lives
Power strips are great for lamps, phones, or laptops — but they’re not made for high-power items like space heaters. Using one can lead to overheating, sparks, or even a deadly fire.
As the Umatilla County Fire District said: “Please share and stay safe this winter season.”
This winter, protect your home and your loved ones. Always plug your heater straight into the wall — and never into a power strip.
