Over the past two weeks, Northeast Georgia has been plagued by a series of residential and commercial fires, resulting in significant property loss, damaged belongings, and, in one instance, a tragic loss of life. Property owners are urged to take precautions.
As investigators work to determine the causes, one fire in Homer on January 21 is believed to have been caused by a wood heater.
With many of the recent fires still under investigation, some cases have been handed over to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for further examination. Press Secretary for the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire Tanya Zamora, shared that initial indications show most recent fires were not caused by heating sources.
However, she noted that home heating equipment remains one of the leading causes of home fires during the colder months.
Sub-freezing temperatures have gripped the region in recent weeks, with wind chills pushing the mercury to around zero. These frigid conditions often require homeowners and business owners to rely on additional heat sources to stay warm. In light of the uptick in fires, local and state fire officials are offering essential tips on fire prevention and safety.
Rodent-related fires?
Some of the recent residential fires have started in the attics of homes, leading to speculation that rodents, such as squirrels, could be contributing to the fires. Squirrels are known to seek shelter in attics during the winter months for warmth and protection. As they build nests, they often bring in combustible materials like leaves and nuts.
More concerning, however, is their tendency to chew through insulation around electrical wiring. This can result in short circuits, which may lead to a fire.
To help prevent such incidents, property owners are urged to inspect their roofs and rooflines for potential points of entry where rodents could access the attic or home. Common entry points include roof vents and gaps where electrical or internet cables enter the building. Once these entry points are identified, they should be sealed immediately to prevent rodent intrusion.
Fire safety precautions to keep in mind
Zamora recommends the following measures to help protect homes and businesses from the risks associated with heating equipment:
- Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room.
- Have your fireplace, wood stove, chimney, and chimney connectors inspected and cleaned at the start of the heating season.
- Never plug heating equipment into extension cords, as this can lead to overheating, potential appliance damage, and increased fire risks.
- Keep flammable materials like furniture, bedding, and clothing at least three feet away from heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves. In fact, 54% of heating-related fire deaths are caused by heating equipment being too close to combustible items.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance from portable or space heaters.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
In addition to these guidelines, Athens-Clarke County Assistant Fire Marshal Kevin Kearney shared an infographic on Winter Fire Safety, offering further insights to help property owners stay safe.
Among the key takeaways from the graphic:
- Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February.
- Heating equipment causes 1 in every 6 home fires and is involved in 1 in every 5 home fire deaths.
- Keep combustibles at least three feet away from heat sources.
- Portable generators should always be kept outside, away from windows, and as far from the home as possible.
- Install and regularly test carbon monoxide detectors.
- Avoid plugging multiple heat-producing appliances into one electrical outlet.
- Ensure chimneys and vents are cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional each year.
- Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container, keeping it outside and at least ten feet away from your home or any structures.
Local fire safety recommendations
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Jeff Adams also offered essential advice for keeping homes and businesses fire-safe:
- Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home and inside each bedroom.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms on each level and near sleeping areas.
- When using space heaters, plug them directly into a wall outlet (never a power strip), and never leave them unattended or use them while sleeping.
- For kerosene heaters, use them only in well-ventilated areas, avoid leaving them unattended, and store kerosene away from the heater. Only 1K grade kerosene should be used.
- Never run portable generators inside a residence. They should be kept at least 15 to 20 feet away from the home.
With two months of winter still remaining, it’s critical for residents to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their properties from fire hazards. By following these fire safety recommendations, Northeast Georgia residents can possibly prevent further tragedies and ensure their homes remain safe throughout the winter months.
