Ministry of Internal Affairs issues heating season fire safety warning

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued an appeal for special caution during the heating season, warning that negligence can lead to fires that threaten entire homes and lives. Potential hazards identified include faulty chimneys, careless stove lighting, unattended heaters, and defective electrical installations.

To prevent fires, the Ministry advises citizens to regularly clean chimneys, check the functionality of solid fuel stoves, and avoid leaving electric heaters unattended. It is also recommended to keep flammable items such as clothing and furniture away from heating elements. Additionally, residents are urged not to overload electrical installations, to turn off electrical devices when leaving the house, and to ensure ash is completely cooled before disposal.

Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that small children should never be left unsupervised in rooms using solid fuel stoves or electric heaters. In the event of a fire, citizens are instructed to immediately call firefighters at the emergency number 193.