The State Fire Marshal’s Office is asking residents to reconsider the use of heat lamps to warm pets following several fires last week, including the latest in Bossier Parish that claimed the lives of seven horses. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says even though they are outside, heating lamps can be hazardous.
“Having those heating lamps near blankets or any kind of bed like hay, that’s a fire hazard and in these instances, we saw whether it be that the items overheated and caused the fire or the potential for these animals to knock over the heat lamps.”
Rodrigue says there was also a fire involving a heating lamp in the Houma area that killed a dog and another one in Livingston Parish. Rodrigue says the fires could be due to the lamps being placed near flammable objects like a blanket.
” A lot of times they are placed very close to this combustible item and that heat is going to grow and it can create a spark or ignition and then will catch those combustible items on fire.”
Rodrigue says that if animals are able to be brought inside, then that’s the best option for warmth.
“If animals can be brought inside, be brought inside, not left outside. In instances where that’s not an option, the heat lamp is something we’ve seen being used and it’s not advisable.”
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