Firefighters are reminding homeowners to keep heating equipment at least three feet from flammable items and have chimneys inspected before using fireplaces this winter.

Heating equipment contributes to about one in seven reported home fires during the winter and is linked to one in five home fire deaths, according to fire officials.

Homeowners who use fireplaces or wood stoves should also have their chimneys inspected and cleaned to remove creosote, a flammable residue that builds up over time.