Check, clean heaters to avoid house fire risks

Relaxing in front of a nice warm heater is an ideal way to beat the cold winter weather but it can come with some serious risks if the heaters aren't properly maintained.
The Country Fire Authority says now is the time to make sure wood and gas heaters are safe.
Chief officer Jason Heffernan said chimneys should be professionally cleaned each year to avoid build-ups of creosote, a highly flammable black tar-like residue, that can clog chimneys and cause chimney fires.
And gas heaters should be checked and serviced by a qualified technician every two years to avoid a fire or the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mr Heffernan said creosote can build up quickly in chimneys if incorrect fuels such as green wood or treated timber are burned.
He also urged people to ensure wood fires are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.
A secure guard or fireproof screen should always be used to prevent sparks and wood from falling from a fireplace and causing a fire.
Interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms and living areas can provide valuable seconds to allow an escape in case of fire.
Other precautions Mr Heffernan urged were to make sure clothes being dried and flammable materials such as curtains were at least a metre from a fire or heater and constantly monitored and children and pets supervised and kept a safe distance from heaters.