Lexington County Fire Service units along with units from Irmo Fire District, Columbia-Richland Fire and Newberry County Fire responded to a residential structure fire in the 600 block of Meadowlark Rd of Chapin just after 5 a.m. on Friday. Six residents have been displaced and are receiving assistance from American Red Cross. No injuries were reported. Lexington County Fire Service Investigators have determined the fire to be caused by a kerosene heater too close to combustibles.

The Lexington County Fire Service says safety must be top priority, as the temperatures drop, since heating is the second leading cause of home fires. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

-Keep anything that can burn 3 feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves and radiators. Remember that skin burns too. Make sure that people and pets stay 3 feet away.

-It is also recommended to use portable heaters that have been recommended by a testing laboratory (look for the laboratory’s label). These heaters should have an automatic shut-off switch so that if they are tipped over, they will turn off on their own.

-Experts say you should also plug portable electric heaters directly into the wall outlet; don’t use an extension cord or power strip and kerosene heaters must be refueled outside.

-Also remember to turn space heaters off when you leave the room or fall asleep

For additional fire safety information, please feel free to reach out to the Lexington County Fire Service at (803)785-8632.