Fire safety for cooler weather

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - As temperatures start to cool down here in the desert southwest, the possibility of fire related incidents goes up.

Rural Metro Fire Department says as the fall and winter months approach, they want to give locals some tips on preventing fires and injuries related to home heating and bonfires.

“We get a lot of accidental fires in the winter time you know related to unattended bonfires, the space heaters is an issue as well. It’s getting cold, people try to warm up, what do they do when they want to get warm? They start little fires,” said Rural Metro Fire Captain Kurt Nelson.

Kurt Nelson says bonfires are one of those things that are great for the family, but in just seconds it can turn to tragedy.

“Unfortunately Yuma has had some pretty bad children burn from bonfire incidents I always tell people treat it like a swimming pool. It only takes seconds. We’ve had even adults fall in fire pits just because the area around the pit had trip hazards and things like that,” said Nelson.

Nelson says the most important things to remember for bonfires are to establish a perimeter around the fire and to make sure the coals are completely cold before you go inside for the night.

Another winter fire hazard are space heaters.

The National Fire Protection Association says space heaters account for more than two in five fires and it’s the cause of the majority of deaths in homes.

“So with space heaters its going to be similar you want to keep a clear area around them so that way nothing can come in contact with the heating element and catch fire. With some space heaters you have to be aware of what it’s emitting and if you don’t have good circulation in your home it could cause health issues as well,” said Jon Hansen, Rural Metro Firefighter.

Rural Metro says if you have any further questions or concerns about how to stay safe this season, don’t be afraid to contact them for help.