US Fire Administration Offers Fire Safety Tips For Winter

The Cosby Volunteer Fire Department was called to a house fire on Possum Hollow Road Tuesday night. The home was completely destroyed by that blaze. Willima Roger Grooms, who owns the home, believes that his son let a space heater on when he left the home Tuesday evening. The fire is under investigation, but arson is not suspected.

According to the US Fire Administration, more home fires occur during the winter months of December, January and February than at any other time of the year. In fact they say that 1 in every 7 home fires and 1 in every 5 home fire deaths involves some sort of heating equipment. So, experts remind you to keep anything that can burn at least 3 fee from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters. Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time, and do not use an extension cord with a space heater. The US Fire Administration also suggests if you have a fireplace, have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year.