Cold weather brings fire hazards with it

Another cold night ahead and many of us are reaching for a space heater to keep warm. Spokane firefighters say as the temperatures drop they see a 30 to 50 percent increase in fire calls.

"I don't just mean a small up tick," Asst. Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said. "I mean a significant up tick in our volume is very routine this time of year."

He says many of them can be prevented. Make sure there is at least three feet around space heaters, wall heaters and your furnace.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends the following things to keep you safe this winter.

Assistant Chief Schaeffer says inspect your wiring if you have an older house. Over the years it breaks down and might not be able to handle the added load new heaters bring.

"Every year that goes by, it becomes more brittle and more brittle, we recommend you replace that with a licensed electrician," Shaeffer said.

Another thing to have checked, your chimney. Tony Parker, the owner of Woody's Chimney and Masonry says business is starting to pick up. He suggest getting a sweep done to get rid of any creosote that has built up.

"The natural bi-product of a solid fuel is creosote form that is highly flammable and when it burns it can burn up to 3,000 degrees for up to 15 minutes," Parker said.

It may seem like common sense but he says to make sure the area around your fireplace is clear of any flammable materials like kindling or paper.

If you need help heating your home SNAP of Spokane can help. http://www.SNAPWA.org

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Cold weather brings fire hazards with it