Fire Marshal Warns on Heat Lamp and Heater Use
San Angelo's fire marshal urges residents to check cords and replace older or unsafe space heaters.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Appliances
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The San Angelo Fire Marshal's office warned residents about misuse of heat lamps and heaters after nearly 10 fires were started by these appliances in 2024. The office says the fires occurred when the appliances were plugged into the wrong place.
Why it matters
Mishandling heat lamps and heaters causes an average of five to six fires a year in San Angelo, and the fire marshal's office has seen more fires tied to overheating extension cords. The warning aims to reduce household fire risk during colder months.
The San Angelo Fire Marshal's office recorded nearly 10 fires started by heat lamps and heaters in 2024, compared with an average of five to six such fires a year from mishandled appliances. The office has not detailed the cause of every incident beyond plug placement and overheating extension cords.
The players
San Angelo Fire Marshal's Office
The local fire marshal's office responsible for fire prevention and inspection in San Angelo, Texas, which issued the warning about heat lamp and heater misuse.
The details
Pets can tip over heat lamps or move them against combustible material, and the fire marshal's office advises residents to check cords for fraying or breakage and replace damaged ones. Heaters without a tip-over switch or front cage should be replaced, and older space heaters should be phased out in favor of newer models with safety features.
Timeline
2024: Nearly 10 fires started by heat lamps and heaters in San Angelo.
November 11, 2026: Fire marshal's office publishes its warning to residents.
Season Trajectory
This warning follows the recurring heating-season safety advisories the San Angelo Fire Marshal's office issues each year as colder weather prompts greater use of heat lamps and space heaters. The 2024 count of nearly 10 fires sits above the typical five to six annual fires the office cites, signaling a seasonal spike in appliance-related incidents.
Residents in San Angelo should check heat lamp and heater cords for fraying or breakage and make sure heaters have a tip-over switch or front cage. Households with older space heaters may consider replacing them with newer models that include safety features.
The takeaway
Keeping heat lamps and heaters on stable, dedicated outlets and away from pets and combustibles is a simple step that reduces household fire risk during colder months.
Further reading
For more on home safety equipment, see Appliances coverage across the site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ConchoValleyHomepage.
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