SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – As temperatures continue to fall across the Lowcountry, local firefighters say they are already responding to more calls related to home heating.

Officials warn that portable and kerosene heaters are among the leading causes of winter house fires and are urging families to take simple precautions before turning them on this season.

Battalion Chief Charles Evans with C&B Fire Department said kerosene heaters can quickly become dangerous when people try to refuel them too soon after use.

“People refuel them while they’re still hot, and you spill the fuel on a hot heater and then you have a flash fire,” Evans said.

He said even electric heaters can cause problems if they have not been used since last winter. Dust can build up on the heating elements and burn off

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