Queens fire officials have again dubbed electric space heaters the number one cold weather killer, saying sparks from malfunctioning electric heaters and heaters with faulty wiring cause most of the fires each year during cold weather months. “They remain, without a doubt, the main cause of house fires during the winter months,” FDNY officials said.

FDNY officials are offering the following tips for residents who use electric heaters: • Never connect space heaters to extension cords because the heater can overload electrical circuits, sparking a fire. • Do not use space heaters for long periods of time. Space heaters are designed to provide temporary warmth, fire officials said. When not in use, the heaters should be unplugged. • Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture

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