Press Release
Fire Safety Urged as Alabama Sees Rise in Fatal Fires Amid Cold Weather
As temperatures drop, Alabama is facing a concerning increase in residential fires, with three tragic fatalities reported this week. In Birmingham, a house fire claimed the life of a woman, while a man and his adult daughter perished in Georgiana. Additionally, a vacant hotel on Carmichael Road in Montgomery was completely engulfed in flames on Tuesday, although no injuries were reported there.
The uptick in fires during colder months is often linked to the increased use of heating appliances and kitchen activities during the holiday season. Fire Chief Josh Bingham of Prattville emphasized the importance of fire safety precautions for residents. "Every home needs functioning smoke detectors checked regularly. It’s vital to have them on each level and near bedrooms," he stated, underlining that a working smoke detector can significantly change the outcome of a fire incident.
Chief Bingham also cautioned against using ovens and stoves as supplemental heating sources and highlighted the need for safe practices with space heaters—namely, maintaining a three-foot clearance around these devices to avoid igniting combustible materials.
As families gather for the holidays, Bingham advised ensuring live Christmas trees are adequately watered and checking electrical cords for any damage. The National Safety Council echoed these sentiments, providing more fire safety tips, such as never leaving cooking unattended and adhering to proper heating practices.
With a mix of vigilance and proper precautions, Alabama residents can significantly reduce their fire risk during this perilous season.
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