With the heating season upon us, fire chiefs across the region warn that people take heed as they try to stay warm.

Here’s a list of things that can help prevent fires:

• Burn only dry, seasoned wood; green wood builds creosote in the chimney that can catch fire.

• Burn only wood in a wood stove.

• Wood stoves must be 18 inches from a protected wall.

• Using wood stoves in mobile homes is illegal, except when an addition is built that meets all building codes.

• Install smoke detectors.

• Be sure the wood stove is properly installed.

• Keep electric space heaters away from flammable materials; do not leave electric space heaters unattended.

• Request inspections of wood stoves and chimneys prior to the heating season.

• Have chimneys cleaned regularly.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in mobile homes or other tight buildings.

• Keep an eye on elderly and other neighbors.

• Don’t use appliances not meant for heating as a heat source.

• Be sure the chimney is of adequate height to provide sufficient draft and heat.

• Maintain a good bed of coals.

• Do not use generators indoors and do not use unvented kerosene heaters. Carbon monoxide can build up.