LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the winter season and colder weather are upon us, the Louisville Fire Department said they are seeing a rise in calls.
In December, there have been two major apartment fires.
The National Fire Protection Association said more home fires occur during the winter than any other season.
With a lot of fires happening frequently, including residential and commercial, officials said knowing how to get out fast and safely is important.
Major Bobby Cooper said one of the many causes of fires is either cooking or heating.
“Whether it’s a fireplace or a space heater, make sure that you’re keeping anything combustible three feet away,” he said.
On Dec. 8, a woman died in an apartment fire in the Jacobs neighborhood. It left several families without a place to live before the holidays.
More than a week later, a similar situation happened at the Chateau Village apartment complex.
Working smoke detectors can make a big difference if installed properly and can also play a vital role in getting people to safety while saving lives. The fire department is urging those in apartments and homes to get detectors.
“We encourage people to check their smoke detectors now making sure that they're working properly. If you need to change the batteries, change the batteries," Cooper said.
Cooper stresses that no one should ever rely on a stove or oven for heat. He said it can create a “serious fire hazard,” but could also expose you to toxic gases like carbon monoxide that could accumulate in your home.
In addition to smoke detectors or fire alarms, families should always have a fire escape route, plan a fire drill, or ask landlords about other life-saving devices.
“Reach out to them now to find out do you have interconnected smoke detectors,” Cooper said. “We encourage people to know two ways out of every room in their home and two ways out of their home.”
He said once you get out of the house following a fire, make sure your family has a meeting place outside.
"Closing a door to a bedroom can keep a lot of fire out. If you do have a fire in your home make sure you’re closing the doors behind you."
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