Benton County Fire Marshal: Cold Weather Causes Spike in FIres
By: Kyle Leyenberger
Updated: January 17, 2013
Benton County saw a spike in fires this week, and the fire marshal believes cold weather could be to blame.
"The cold snaps always kind of kick off different things," says Fire Marshal Marc Trollinger.
He says the county works about one hundred fires a year, but he's been out to five fires this week alone.
He says people find creative ways to heat homes when temperatures drop, but they need to follow manufacturer's guidelines while using space heaters or wood stoves to stay warm.
"Make sure you have clearances at least 36 inches from any combustible material," Trollinger says.
He thinks a wood stove may be to blame for a fire at Howard Rusher's log cabin on Sugar Creek Road.
Rusher's grandson was renting the space, and was asleep when the fire started. He got out safely, but Rusher says the log cabin is likely a total loss.
"It's just sad because he lost everything," Rusher says.
He hopes the fire at his home will convince others to be careful.
"Just think safety, smoke detectors are real important," he says. "Be cautious of what you heat your house with."
For more tips on how to heat your home safely, visit this site.
"The cold snaps always kind of kick off different things," says Fire Marshal Marc Trollinger.
He says the county works about one hundred fires a year, but he's been out to five fires this week alone.
He says people find creative ways to heat homes when temperatures drop, but they need to follow manufacturer's guidelines while using space heaters or wood stoves to stay warm.
"Make sure you have clearances at least 36 inches from any combustible material," Trollinger says.
He thinks a wood stove may be to blame for a fire at Howard Rusher's log cabin on Sugar Creek Road.
Rusher's grandson was renting the space, and was asleep when the fire started. He got out safely, but Rusher says the log cabin is likely a total loss.
"It's just sad because he lost everything," Rusher says.
He hopes the fire at his home will convince others to be careful.
"Just think safety, smoke detectors are real important," he says. "Be cautious of what you heat your house with."
For more tips on how to heat your home safely, visit this site.
