Winter comforts turned fire hazards? BGFD warns of top fire starters

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With the weather dropping, many people are turning up their temperatures and breaking out the candles.

The Bowling Green Fire Department said some of the things people might be doing to make their homes cozy could be dangerous.

The fire department said that around this time of year heating units are big fire causes.

They said people can stay safe by keeping space heaters three feet away from anything flammable and plugging only one heater chord per power strip.

They also caution people with fireplaces to make sure the chimneys are cleaned out.

Also, leaving burning candles unattended is a huge fire starter, according to the department.

BGFD Firefighter Cameron Wallace said, “Kids are a lot of times not aware that you have lit a candle and will start playing and knock it over. It’s an easy way to start a fire. So, it’s one of those things you need to be mindful about putting out before you go to bed, before you leave the house and when you have children playing around.”

People can check out the fire department’s website for more fire safety tips and evacuation plans.