Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro is urging all New Yorkers to take extra care using space heaters following two serious early morning fires which claimed the life of one man and left another in critical condition.

“In two separate serious fires, New Yorkers using space heaters suffered critical injuries, with one man tragically losing his life,” said Commissioner Nigro. “When used safely, space heaters can be an effective way to help keep you and your loved ones warm during the fall and winter months. I urge all New Yorkers to exercise care when using space heaters and to obtain a working smoke alarm for their home.”

Follow these tips for safe usage of space heaters:

· Space heaters should be placed at least three feet from any combustible material, such as clothing, bedding or furniture.

· Never use an extension cord with a space heater.

· Turn off or unplug the space heater when you leave the room or go to sleep.

· Inspect the electrical cord on your space heater for damage before each use.

· Keep young children and pets away from space heaters.

· Only use space heaters that are UL approved.

· Avoid using space heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.

· Using kerosene or propane space heaters is illegal.

At 4:06 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, FDNY members responded to 153-25 88th Street in Queens for a report of a fire in an apartment on the second floor. Firefighters removed one patient, an 86 y/o male, from the apartment. The patient was transported to Jamaica Hospital by EMTs and Paramedics, where he died from his injuries. No working smoke alarm was found in the apartment. Fire Marshals determined the fire originated from a space heater in the living room which was too close to combustible materials and furniture.

At 4:35 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, FDNY members responded to 905 Eagle Avenue in the Bronx for a report of a fire in an apartment on the third floor. Firefighters removed one patient, an 86 y/o male, from the apartment. The patient was transported in critical condition to Jacobi Hospital by EMTs and Paramedics. A working smoke alarm was found in the apartment. Fire Marshals determined the fire originated from a space heater in the living room which was too close to a chair.

This month, FDNY – along with Mayor de Blasio, the City Council, New York Red Cross and the FDNY Foundation – launched #GetAlarmedNYC, the largest smoke alarm giveaway and installation program in the nation. To find a smoke alarm giveaway and fire safety education location in their neighborhood, New Yorkers can call 311.

(YWN Desk – NYC)