With predictions of high heating costs this winter, the idea of using alternative heating sources — wood stoves, space heaters and fireplaces — is more tempting than ever.

But alternative heating may carry some additional risks.

Of the 45,500 home heating fires reported to the nation’s fire departments in 2002, 68 percent involved fireplaces, space heaters and chimneys, according to the latest figures available from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Alternative heating also was associated with 85 percent of the 220 fatalities associated with home heating fires, including 46 percent for portable space heaters, 28 percent for wood stoves and other fixed space heaters, and 11 percent for fireplaces and chimneys.

Learn more about fire risk related to using gas grills for indoor heating at http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2005/11/20/features/home_garden/doc438002720bf10143583442.txt.