Increase in House Fires as Temps Dip

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — “it’s that time of the year where we are going to have fires. we call them accidents have they’re going to happen, but they can be avoided.” Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says this has been the busiest few days he’s seen in quite some time. Columbia and Richland Fire officials responding to blazes that have damaged homes and in some cases even claimed lives. 12 families and more than 40 people according to the American Red Cross are without places to call home in just the last 24 hours. ” 24 hours really is a short period of time to serve that many families or people.” The biggest culprit – space heaters. And while they’re meant to keep your home warm – Chief Jenkins says when not used properly they can become a deadly source of warmth. ” Often times people ask if space heaters are safe. space heaters can be safe if they are used properly.” That means keeping them located on hard – level surfaces and at least 3 feet away from anything combustible. and find ones that will automatically shut off if accidentally knocked over. But those aren’t the only dangers on the rise as temperatures start to dip. Jenkins says to check fireplaces and keep glass or metal coverings in place to keep embers from flying out. Most importantly make sure your smoke detectors are in working condition. They can often be your first defense to get out of a burning house. Just this past weekend at least two fires turned deadly. In one case a man re-entered his burning home to rescue his wife. And while he was able to get her out he died, according to fire officials. A second blaze on Penrose Drive claimed a 6 month old baby boy. According to fire officials, flames were too intense for family members to reach the infant who perished in the fire. ” it’s unfortunate that these deaths occur because people go back inside the house. ” i’m sure your adrenaline kicks in and you have a loved one in there you want to get them out and save them , but sometimes you can’t. We always want people to enjoy the holidays but the number one thing we tell people is make sure your safe.”