Local Fire Officials Issues Home Heating Warning

(Undated) — Local fire officials are reminding the public to exercise caution when heating their homes. LaMotte Fire Officials say this winter has been particularly hard on the community, with a higher structure fire rate than has been seen in years past. They say to take extra caution with anything that generates heat. Inspect heaters and furnaces thoroughly and frequently. They say that with the extended extreme cold weather, all of these items are working harder, taxing the electric and gas systems. That, coupled with “ice damming” on roofs, which can cause water to find its way into exterior walls and receptacles, greatly increases the risk of electrical shorts and fires. They also remind the public to follow “space heater safety” to the letter and never place salamanders under the house in an effort to thaw pipes.