Crews from Central Fire Station and Station 2 responded to a reported structure fire at 245 Carver St. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke emanating from the roof. They entered the structure, extinguished the fire, and addressed remaining hot spots. A thorough search of the residence confirmed that no occupants were inside.
The fire was attributed to unsafe heating practices, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Heating Fires: A Persistent Threat
While heating-related fires have decreased since the early 1980s, they remained the second leading cause of home fires in 2021. According to estimates, 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments across the United States that year. These incidents resulted in 190 deaths, 625 injuries, and $442 million in property damage.
Fire Safety Tips for Winter
To reduce the risk of heating-related fires, follow these safety guidelines:
Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away from heating sources such as fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters, or candles.
Never use an oven as a heating source for your home.
Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
Ensure heating equipment and chimneys are cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
By practicing these safety measures, you can help protect your home and loved ones during the colder months.
