Closter Fire Department Reminds Residents: Space Heater Safety Is Critical During Winter

Photo by Closter Volunteer Fire DepartmentA fire safety graphic highlights the importance of maintaining a three-foot clearance around space heaters to prevent accidental fires.
January 14, 2026 — The Closter Volunteer Fire Department issued an important winter safety reminder urging residents to use space heaters responsibly as colder temperatures continue. Fire officials emphasized that space heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn and should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than power strips or extension cords. Additional guidance included placing heaters on flat, stable surfaces, turning them off when leaving a room or going to sleep, keeping children and pets at a safe distance, inspecting power cords for damage, and selecting models equipped with automatic shut-off features. Fire officials stressed that taking simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of residential fires during the winter heating season.