KITSAP – A burning smell from a partially melted plastic cooler that had been left next to a heater caught the attention of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue firefighters during a morning medical call Dec. 30.

Firefighters from CKFR Station 41 were leaving a medical call at a private residence when they smelled something burning, according to a CKFR press statement.

They discovered the homeowner had two plastic coolers stored just inches from a wall heater. The back side of one of the coolers had begun to melt as a result.

The coolers were moved and the occupant was advised.

CKFR has a few cold weather safety tips:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.

• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Never use an oven to heat a home.

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

• Always use the right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from the home.

• Test smoke alarms monthly.

– Edited by Chris Tucker.