YFD responds to 400+ service calls in the last week

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) responded to over 400 emergency service calls in the last week. Of those service calls, 13 were fire calls including an RV and home fire.

They say common fires they see are bathroom ventilation fan fires and backyard or patio fires from a heavy fuel load.

"What happens is people leave those fans on. They let them run for hours and eventually when they get dirty, they seize up, and that heat eventually create a fire, and those fires can spread into the attic and the fire spreading to the attic we have a bigger problem," said YFD Public Information Officer Francisco Leon.

They recommend inspecting ventilation fans and cleaning them monthly to prevent fires. They say to also inspect electrical cords and make sure they don't have any damage.

"If cords are plugged in, never leave them underneath a mat or put anything on top of them. They can build heat and eventually it can cause a fire as well," said Leon.

With the city neighborhood clean up coming up, they say it's a good time for locals to do spring cleaning, remove clutter, and put trash in their front yard for city pick up.

"A good piece of advice I'd give people is to grab things that you don't need anymore. Put them out front. Just clear some of that clutter, reduce the fuel load in your backyard, the side of your home," said Leon.