Winter weather poses plenty of fire hazards

Bigfork Eagle

The winter weather that has been gripping the Bigfork area poses dangers both indoors and outdoors for residents and homeowners.

The Bigfork Fire Department offered some safety tips to keep in mind during the winter months. The cold weather can bring on a number of problems within a house, including some unexpected ones.

Bigfork Fire Chief Chuck Harris said that when pipes freeze, thawing them out can be hazardous.

“Trying to heat them yourself, using a torch or something, is not a good idea at all because the heat conducts along the length of the metal pipe and anywhere where it comes in contact with paper or the wood floor joints or members of the house” he said. “That’s where it’s going to heat up.”

Harris said space heaters are another classic fire danger if not used properly. He suggested that residents make sure to use a newer space heater with tip protection, so that if the unit falls over it automatically turns off.

Also, people should keep space heaters in an open area and also make sure they’re not underneath cabinets or desks, which can trap the heat. Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when leaving the house, he said.

Harris advised residents to look at the entire home as a potential fire hazard and to constantly think about fire prevention. Wood burning stoves should always be checked, chimneys should be clean and stoves should be allowed to burn hot occasionally. It is common to close or reduce the damper, but it is a good idea to open the damper and allow the fire to burn hot a few minutes a day, Harris said.

If cleaning out the fire box, do not put the ashes on a deck or in a garage — take them well away from the house.

A big problem that poses a threat to fire fighters is access. Driveways that are not plowed create problems in the event that an emergency vehicle needing to gain access to a residence, Harris said. Another outdoor problem is snow that is plowed up and covering fire hydrants.

Harris asks that if you are plowing snow or hireing snow plowing, to please keep the hydrants clear — “we may need to get to them to protect your home,” he said.

Members of Bigfork Fire have been out this week digging out the hydrants. If there is a hydrant near your home and it has not been cleared yet, Harris the fire department would appreciate the help.