The best prevention starts with education. And the Fayetteville Fire Department prides itself on its educational component. The Fire Marshal heads the Prevention Division to work towards the prevention of fires, enforcing State Fire Code in all buildings with the exception of one and two family dwellings, and provides public education safety presentations.

Safety Tips

• All fueled heaters should meet local building and fire codes to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. Any heater that runs on fuel should be vented properly. Kerosene heaters should be refueled outdoors to avoid spills on floors and carpeting that could cause a fire. Gas heaters that are not well ventilated should not be used in bedrooms, bathrooms or other small areas.
• All space heaters should be at least three feet away from furniture, walls, curtains, or other flammable materials. Make sure all space heaters are turned off before leaving home.
• Inspect electrical heater cords for frays, cracks, or other damage.
• Fireplaces should have a fire screen made of metal or heat-tempered glass. Make sure the damper is working properly. Never leave fires unattended. Carbon build up in chimneys can pose a dangerous fire hazard. It is recommended that chimneys and vents be inspected and cleaned by a professional before each heating season. It is also advisable to have a spark arrester installed on top of the chimney for ventilation.