BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A small house fire over the weekend in Oildale that was started because of a floor heater should be a stern reminder that you should check your heating appliances before you use them this winter, said the Kern County Fire Deptartment.

Now that the temperature is starting to drop, fire officials want to remind you of a few things before you try to warm up. Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace every year.

If you use a portable heater to heat your home, officials say it needs at to be a least 3 feet away from anything else, like furniture, curtains, papers and people and, if you use a furnace, have it inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition.

The fire department says have an escape plan with you family in the event of a fire. Also they want to remind you to check your smoke detectors and have a working fire extinguisher in your home.

During the winter months, residential fires are more prevalent than they are in the spring or summer. This is due in part to an increase in the number of cooking and heating fires.

With colder temperatures and the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities, many people resort to using fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and other alternative heating methods to keep warm.

All of these methods of heating are acceptable; however, they are also major contributors to residential fires.