The use and dangers of alternative home heating sources increase as the outside temperature decreases, local and state officials said.

Shane Cartmill, spokesman for the Ohio State Fire Marshal, said the office hears about or responds to such incidents frequently, and many can be easily prevented.

In 2007, five people were killed and 79 were injured in 690 heating-related fires in Ohio homes, according to the fire marshal's office.

"We see fires of all sorts," Cartmill said Tuesday, Dec. 2. "Some people want to save money by not using the furnace. They're looking for the most cost-effective way to heat the home."

The fire marshal's office recently released its annual safety suggestions for heating homes. They include placing space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, never using gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire in a wood-burning stove or fireplace and ensuring proper ventilation when using kerosene heaters.

Greg Millsaps, technical services manager for Butler Heating and Air, said the use of space heaters has increased in the past five years, particularly as the price for heating a home has risen.

Millsaps said some companies are progressive in manufacturing safer heaters — some, for instance, that turn off when tilted over — but the responsibility falls to the home owner.

Millsaps advised that homeowners should only use space heaters when they are at home, awake or otherwise able to regularly monitor the device. He added that the most dangerous heaters are the ones scorching hot to the touch.

"It's smart in this part of the country to have a backup plan to heat your home," Millsaps said. "It just needs to be done in a safe way."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com

Some tips for

Fireplaces, wood burning stoves

Wood stove should be placed on approved stove board.

Make sure flue is open before starting a fire.

Strike match first, then turn on the gas.

Portable space heaters

Don't use an extension cord with an electric portable heater.

Don't plug in more than one heating device to an outlet.

Don't use near water, as in the bathroom or near water heater.

Kerosene heaters

Ensure the room has proper ventilation.

Fill the heater with only crystal clear, K-1 kerosene.

Refuel outside, only after heater has cooled.

Source: Ohio State Fire Marshal