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Chiefs urge space-heater precautions and extra caution for trick-or-treaters at fall events
Summary
Chiefs advised keeping three feet of clearance around space heaters, plugging them directly into outlets and using tip-over protection. They also reminded drivers to expect increased pedestrian traffic at Halloween events and promoted city trunk-or-treat outreach.
Allison Elliott asked about safe use of space heaters as temperatures drop; Fire Chief Jacob King responded with specific precautions: keep a three-foot clearance around heaters, plug them directly into wall outlets (do not use extension cords or power strips), and use models with tip-over protection. “You need 3 feet of space, around your space heater,” King said, adding that the heater should automatically shut off if tipped over.
King explained that space heaters draw significant current and that extension cords or surge protectors can overheat under that load. He recommended isolating the heater to one dedicated outlet and checking cords for frays or dust.
On community outreach, King listed several fall events where the fire division will participate, including a Springfield Professional Firefighters trunk-or-treat at the Fire Lodge off Bird Road, additional trunk-or-treats (one at a STEM location was mentioned) and a large downtown trick-or-treat celebration later in the month. He invited residents to meet crews at those events for safety demonstrations.
Elliott warned drivers about increased pedestrian traffic and children in costumes as daylight hours shorten: “There’s going to be an increased pedestrian traffic, a lot of kids and costumes and things like that. And it's going to be getting darker, sooner,” she said, urging drivers to avoid distractions and to watch neighborhoods closely during trick-or-treat times.
The chiefs framed these tips as preventive measures: proper space-heater use reduces fire calls, and driver vigilance reduces pedestrian risk during community events. Contact information and event dates were discussed on the podcast; residents seeking details were directed to the fire division’s outreach notices on springfieldohio.gov.
