Two New York state lawmakers on Tuesday called for strengthened safety standards for space heaters after a fire in a Bronx apartment building killed 17 people last month. 

The measure, proposed by Assemblymember Kenny Burgos and Sen. Cordell Cleare, would require all space heaters sold in the state to have thermostats, automatic shutoff and be certified by an approved body. 

“Over a month ago, a devastating fire killed 17 people in my home borough of the Bronx," Burgos said. “It was the deadliest blaze in over 30 years, which resulted from a faulty space heater that caused the fire to ravage through this residential building. If we are going to keep residents safe in their homes, we must take bold steps to ensure it never happens again."

The bill would also bar space heaters from being sold in New York that do not adhere to those requirements, including approval by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The bill would take effect 90 days after it is signed into law. 

Space heaters are often used in homes and apartments to supplement heat if a heating source is either broken or inadequate. 

"My heart breaks for all of my neighbors in the Bronx," Cleare said. Today, we honor their lives by turning grief into action and lasting change. Use of space heaters to fight the winter chill is common, but today we take the necessary steps to ensure that the risks associated with these devices become incredibly uncommon. By setting high, rational and universal safety standards for space heaters we will ensure that lives are protected in the warmth of home."