Heating elemements causing fires in tortoise sheds

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Two recent news articles describe two different cases where heating elements have caused a fire in a tortoises shed.

Backyard Shed Fire Leads to Unusual Animal Rescue​

https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/backyard-shed-fire-leads-to-unusual-animal-rescue/

Security Footage Captures Tortoise Narrowly Escaping Shed Fire​

https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/s...PvlKlixkd10HUMyuG3io2zZjRJq06gkf&guccounter=2

I don't know how reliable these are, but either way improper heating set up can be a serious fire hazard.

 

[jaizei]

If something that can be 200 - 700*f+ touches something flammable, it's probably going to catch on fire. The safest setups have heating devices positively secured and not just relying on gravity or friction.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Whaat do you all think about the precautions recommended in one of the articles?

"CAFMA emphasizes pet owner safety and offers these key tips for indoor heat lamp use:

• Secure Mounting: Use chains and secure hangers to prevent tipping.
• Distance: Keep lamps at least 18–20 inches from bedding and other combustibles.
• Protective Cages: Choose lamps with heavy-duty metal guards or cages to prevent pets from coming into contact with the bulb.
• Inspect Regularly: Before each use, examine cords for fraying, bulbs for cracks, and connections to ensure they are secure.
• No Extension Cords: Plug directly into the wall; extension cords pose tripping and fire hazards.
• Fire Safety: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have a fire escape plan, as heat lamps pose a fire risk.
• Bulbs and Wattage: Select a bulb with the correct wattage for the size of the enclosure and consider using high-quality infrared bulbs.
• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow and avoid using in very small, enclosed spaces."

Many of these seem like no brainers to me.

Here are just some of my thoughts:

Specially the last point on ventilation made me think of closed chambers. It makes me immediately imagine a smoke filled closed chamber, which must be a death trap.

Protective cages for lamps aren't really talked about on TFO.

Overall, I think that fire safety should be talked about more when it comes to peoples heating set-up, or enclosure electronics in general.

 

[Oxalis]

Protective cages for lamps aren't really talked about on TFO.

Overall, I think that fire safety should be talked about more when it comes to peoples heating set-up, or enclosure electronics in general.

Absolutely good points. Thanks for bringing this up! Fire safety should definitely be considered when one is designing a tortoise enclosure.

 

[MaNaAk]

@Lyn W might be interested!

 

[Lyn W]

I agree with

@Lyn W might be interested!

Thanks Natrah.
I am extremely careful about my tort's electrics, and learned a lot over the years from other members about safety.
However there is always a risk a heater or lighting could suddenly fail, so it pays to check them.