Easter Sunday, a fire caught on a Salt Lake City home. A story from the Salt Lake Tribune gives us details. Near 800 South and 800 West a pile of debris outside a home caught fire around 2:30 pm. The fire quickly spread across the home’s walls and then into the attic. Fire department spokesman Jasen Asay said the firefighters saw smoke and flames, but had the fire under control in about 15 minutes form the time they arrived. Investigators are still determining what caused the debris to ignite, and how much damage was done.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or FEMA), in the United States each year more than 2,500 people die, and 12,600 are injured in home fires. But there are ways to protect yourself. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening.
FEMA gives some tips to prevent home fires:
- Stay in the kitchen if you are using the stove. If you leave, even for a short amount of time, turn off the stove.
- Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- If you smoke, SMOKE OUTSIDE. be aware of cigarette butts, and be alert.
- Replace worn, old or damaged appliance cords, because frayed wires can quickly cause fires.
- If you have a fireplace, never burn trash, paper, or green wood. Inspect your chimney and wood stove pipes annually. Check monthly for damage or obstructions.
If you or a loved one have been in a fire accident, and do not know the next steps to take, call Christensen & Hymas, the Utah Accident Lawyers, for a FREE consultation on your case. 801-506-0800
Image courtesy of Dave Hogg