The bitter cold temperatures led to three deadly house fires across the state Monday morning.
Four people including children were discovered when Winnsboro firefighters responded to a house fire just after 4:00 a.m.
Less than an hour later, firefighters in Abbeville discovered a victim in a house fire there.
And around 7:00 a.m., a victim was found by Shreveport firefighters.
Even though all three fires are still under investigation, the State Fire Marshal’s Office says history has shown that misuse of space heaters is one of the main culprits in cold conditions.
“Often times, individuals will put them too close to things that can catch fire easily, like blankets and furniture,” says Ashley Rodrigue, State Fire Marshal’s Office spokeswoman. “In addition, individuals will fall asleep or even leave their home with those space heaters still on.”
Rodrigue says if you must use a space heater, plug them directly into the wall and not into a power strip or an extension cord.
“They have to plug them into extension cords or power strips in order to (position the space heater close to them).” says Rodrigue. “That is another issue that creates a fire hazard in an overheating of those wires that are usually not made to withstand such a high wattage.”
Rodrigue says if it’s not space heaters, people will resort to other dangerous ways to keep their homes warm.
“People generally use fireplaces and candles,” says Rodrigue. “They will use their stoves that way. Do not ever do that. Don’t leave those fireplaces or candles left unattended either. If you’re going to sleep or leaving the room. Put them out.”
Furthermore, Rodrigue says if the oven is a gas oven, those who use them to heat their homes also run into the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
And, of course, she says always to make sure you have working smoke detectors throughout your home.
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