Stay safe and take precaution with these fire prevention guidelines

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Tyler Johnson, [email protected]

GREEN RIVER, WYOMING (November 30, 2020) – In wake of the fatal house fire that took place on Idaho Street in Green River early Saturday morning, Green River Fire Department Assistant Chief Larry Erdmann said it’s important to make sure smoke alarms are working and plan an escape route for every room.

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“One of the things people do is natural and that’s go to a door. When there are opportunities, practice going out a window or a secondary means of egress from the house,” Erdmann said.

“Like in the case of the fire this weekend, the fire and smoke were probably too thick in the hallway, so getting out the door was not a viable option. One of the things we try to teach in fire prevention is knowing two ways out of every room.”

Erdmann said that keeping doors closed in the event of a fire can help slow the spread of the fire and smoke, as well.

“Many times, (smoke) is what ends up killing the victims is, generally, it’s smoke inhalation and then they’re overcome by the flame spread,” he said. “So, usually it’s the smoke that gets them first and having a door closed can be a great way to keep the heat and smoke out of the room, but you still have to find a way to get out eventually, so that’s why it’s good to have two ways out.”

Erdmann also mentioned that it’s important to make sure fireplaces are sealed and vented properly.

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“If there’s crack where the heat box or somewhere in the attic space, then the heat is going to be leaving the pipe and into the attic space, which can cause a fire,” he said.

Aside from cooking fires, chimney fires are the most common type of fire during the winter seasons because people haven’t cleaned their chimney and it’s full of soot. The soot can heat up and drip, causing fires.

Erdmann also said to make sure gas heaters are working properly. If someone is not sure, have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning company come out and take a look.

As of right now, the cause of the fire on Saturday has not been determined, but Erdmann said that they are hoping to have an answer on that by Wednesday, Dec. 2.

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