The Ministry of National Security and the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service today warned the public about fire safety in the wake of recent blazes.

The statement warned the public to refrain from smoking while tired or in bed, to stay in the kitchen when using the stove, avid using the stove or stove top after drinking, to never use the oven to heat the home or leave candles unattended.

Other recommendations included:

• Keep a “combustible free zone” — anything that can burn, at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, candles, fireplace, or portable space heater.

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

• Do not add logs to a large accumulation of particles from previous fireplace burns;

• 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 your home;

• Have 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, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters; and

• Ensure smoke alarms are installed outside of sleeping areas. Must test them monthly and change the batteries twice a year.