December 2, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire that Destroyed MLK Home Linked to Improper Use of Heating Source

Firefighter sustains injury during blaze / Fire Department issues safety tips . . .

A makeshift wood burning stove is being labeled as the reason a fire gutted an MLK home yesterday morning just after 10:00 a.m. When firefighters arrived at 2032 Millen Circle, the home was already heavily involved in flames and thick smoke. As fire crews fought the stubborn blaze during an aggressive interior attack, one firefighter was injured as he stepped through a burnt area in the structure’s weakened flooring. Firefighter Jason Hartley, only 18-month on the job, was transported to Willis Knighton Medical Center for evaluation of a twisted knee. He was treated and released a short time later but is not scheduled to return to duty. The fire was finally brought under control at 10:42 a.m.

The home sustained heavy fire and smoke damage and is estimated by fire investigators to be a total loss. Investigators said the residence was occupied at the time of the fire but everyone was able to escape without injury. The wood-burning stove was in the living room of the home and its heat had transferred through to the floor and wall of the room igniting the fire. Improper use of heating sources, like in this case are a major cause of fires during the colder months.

Here are a few safety tips to protect yourself and community against the threat of fire and CO pinioning over this weekend and other cold days to come:

• Residence should be careful when using open-flame gas or kerosene space heaters to not place any combustibles to close to the heat source.
• Do not run cords for heaters under any material, such as a rug. The cords heat up when in use and can start a fire.
• Children should never be left alone in a room with an open flame of any type.
• Heating and air handling units should be checked by a licensed professional.
• Chimneys need to be serviced and cleaned at the start of every winter season.
• All homes should have working smoke detectors and those with gas heat should have a Carbon Monoxide detector. Smoke detectors are free by calling SFD Fire Prevention at 673-6740
• Change out or clean all air intake filters. The buildup can start a fire and cause Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
• Do not use alternative heat sources, like the stove or candles to heat your home.
• Be careful not to overload home electrical outlets. Overloaded outlets can heat up, short and start a fire.###