As another cold snap grips the region, fire officials are warning people to be careful when using space heaters.
Fire prevention officer James Marshall says they've seen a number of fires, including barn fires, caused by space heaters.
"One of the key things we always say is give your heater a metre," said Marshall. "Make sure that there is nothing combustible around it that could catch fire."
Marshall added you should always follow the manufacturers instructions and make sure the heater is the appropriate size for the space you are trying to warm.
"If it's too small for the space you are trying to heat you may need to get a couple or step up in size," he said.
When it comes to older heaters, Marshall said they are fine to use as long as the wiring is not damaged in anyway and there are no "funny smells."
"The key thing that we run into is either going to be a wiring issue or it's going to be people having combustibles -- newspapers, blankets, couches, bed sheets -- too close to the heater," Marshall said.er
