SBFD talks home heating safety as outside temperatures cool

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Assistant Chief Derek Erquhart of the South Bend Fire Department stopped by ABC57 to talk about furnace and fireplace maintenance as cold weather approaches.

SBPD recommends for furnaces to be checked by a service provider once a year to make sure they're running efficiently. Filters should be checked every month and changed or cleaned if dirty.

Fireplaces should be checked annually, as well, and should also be cleaned. In addition to cleaning, chimney sweeps can also make assessments to see if there are cracks that need repair. Cracks and broken spots have potential to spread fire outside of the chimney. Screens should also be utilized for safety. Children and pets should be kept away.

Leaf burning is not permitted within city limits. Local ordinances should be checked for those who live outside city limits.

For recreational burning, such as fire pits, only clean firewood is permitted. No garbage, branches, or leaves should be burned,