You should never use fire for heat without ventilation to provide Oxygen to yourself and the fire and to vent any possible build up of Carbon Monoxide! Cover that requirement before you light a birthday candle.

That having been said, I have used various wicked kerosene heating devices and heated with wood stoves for most of my life. It is very safe and effective if you properly ventilate the area. If you live in a hi-rise condo with windows that don't open and ventilation that is provided by electricity you may want to consider how stale the air will get without your adding smoke from a fire. In such a situation relocation may be required.

One highly recommended kerosene unit is the alpaca stove which will provide for heat and cooking. It is available from Majorsurplusandsurvival.com for around $100 + shipping. Stores small, heats big and can be used for cooking. Petrol fuels like kerosene have a MUCH higher BTU density than alcohol and store quite stabily for long term storage.