This is the fourth in a series of daily FIRE FACTS provided by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 1998).

Alternative heating devices caused 1,417 fires last year in Ohio which resulted in nearly $6 million in property damage. Wood stoves and portable heaters require greater attention to safety precautions than central heating systems. Follow all manufacturer's instructions and never use gasoline to start a fire or fuel a kerosene heater. Remember the three-foot rule: measure a safe distance between heating equipment and anything that can burn, including people and pets. Make sure you turn off all heating equipment before leaving home or going to sleep.

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The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Fire Marshal's Office trains firefighters, enforces the Ohio Fire Code, investigates the cause and origins of fires and explosions, provides fire prevention programs, and performs other services. Other Commerce divisions enforce regulations regarding industrial compliance, financial institutions, liquor, real estate, securities, auctioneers, unclaimed funds, and private investigators, among others. The department's internet address is www.com.state.oh.us.