PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — With temperatures dropping next week, many people will start pulling out space heaters to keep warm.

News Channel 8 went to a Pasco County neighborhood near Heritage Park, to ask residents if they’ve ever used space heaters.

“We have but because of the recent fire in the neighborhood, we are not using the space heater,” said Carol Lamb, a neighbor.

The fire on Christmas day left a woman’s front window boarded up with ash marks above it. Pasco County Fire Rescue updated the cause of the fire.

“They’re leaning to more of an electrical issue with the space heater,” said Chris Julian, fire investigator with PCFR.

The fire department said damage to the house was between 5% and 10%.

Lamb, who lives nearby, said there are no fire hydrants in the neighborhood, so when firefighters responded she saw them bring big tanks of water. She said she was grateful for the response and how the community is helping the homeowner.

“All the neighbors came, and everybody helped and gave the lady a place to live,” Lamb said. “She lost a couple of pets so that was hard.”

The homeowner didn’t want to speak with the media but said she wouldn’t wish this on anybody. She also asks people who are using space heaters to be careful.

News Channel 8 asked PCFR how quickly space heaters can ignite fires.

“Very quickly,” Julian said. “If you throw a blanket on top a space heater, within seconds that blanket or bedding or curtain can catch fire.”

Fire rescue said to follow these tips for safe space heater usage:

• Keep flammable items 3 feet away from space heater.
• Keep the space heater on a stable surface.
• Keep the space heater away from pets and high traffic areas in your home.
• Plug the space heater directly into the wall outlets, not in extension cords or power strips.
• Check the power cord and see if the space heater is properly functioning according to the manufacturer.

Julian said space heaters draw a lot of energy and are sometimes underestimated.

“Especially in Florida, we don’t bring them out very often so they really — most likely — are not well maintained for a while so that’s something you want to inspect before plugging in,” Julian said.

The fire in Lamb’s neighborhood turned her away from space heaters.

“It was horrible,” Lamb said. “It was so close.”

But they can be used safely, with precautions.

If you plan to use space heaters, you can also take time to check your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.