What to Know
- The deadly fire that killed 17 people in New York City on Sunday started with a malfunctioning electric space heater.
- The tragedy is the deadliest fire the city has experienced in the past three decades.
- On Monday, the FDNY issued a PSA on how to safely use a space heaters during cold temperatures.
The deadly fire that killed 17 people in New York City on Sunday started with a malfunctioning electric space heater -- with the tragedy becoming the deadliest fire the city has experienced in the past three decades.
Investigators determined that the electric space heater, plugged in to give extra heat on a cold morning, malfunctioned and started the fire in the 19-story building on 181st Street in the Bronx early Sunday afternoon.
On Monday, the FDNY issued a PSA on how to safely use space heaters.
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Among the safety tips shared by the FDNY are:
- Be sure to keep your space heater at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains, and other materials;
- Avoid using electric space heaters in the bathroom or other areas where they may come in contact with water;
- Never use an extension cord with a space heater, and turn off/unplug the heater when you leave the room;
- Purchase a space heater with a thermostat and automatic shut-off, and make sure it includes the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Mark;
- The use of kerosene or propane space heaters is illegal in New York City, and the use of these types of space heaters poses a high risk of injury or death.
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