With cooler temperatures currently in the Valley, officials are reminding the public of the importance of safely using a space heater.

According to officials, a third of all house fires are caused by space heaters.

When using a space heater, make sure you consider the following tips:

• • Make sure your space heater is clean as any dust or debris inside could spark a fire
• • Plus it directly into a wall socket instead of an extension cord as extension cords can      overheat and start fires
• • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any combustible items
• • Ensure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working
• • Put your space heater on a flat surface
• • Turn off the space heater before going to bed and leaving the house