How far away should space heaters be kept from flammable items?

Space heaters should be kept at least 3 feet away from flammable items to ensure safety in any environment. This distance is important because it reduces the risk of a fire hazard significantly. Flammable materials, including fabrics, paper, and certain types of plastics, can easily catch fire if they come into direct contact with the heat produced by the heater or if they are too close to it.

Maintaining a distance of 3 feet provides a safety buffer that helps prevent accidental ignition. This practice is a common safety guideline recommended by fire departments and safety organizations, emphasizing the need to respect safe distances when using heating equipment in order to protect both people and property from potential fires.

While other distances like 1, 2, or 4 feet might seem adequate, 3 feet has been established as a standard minimum that effectively balances safety with practicality in most home and work environments.