Safety first: Officials urge caution as cooler nights arrive

As autumn settles in and nighttime lows dip, fire and emergency officials across the state are reminding residents to put safety first when staying warm. West Memphis Division Fire Chief Robert Mabe and Emergency Management Director Dewayne Rose said the season brings more home fire risks and requires extra caution.

Heating equipment and cooking are leading causes of fires in the fall months. The National Fire Protection Association reports heating devices are tied to one in six home fires, contributing to more than 900 deaths and about $2 billion in property damage each year. “Every year, we see the tragic consequences of preventable fires,” Mabe said. “We want our residents to know how to stay safe while staying warm.” kAmu:C6 @77:4:2=D 4@?E:?F6 E@ DEC6DD E96 :>A@CE2?46 @7 H@C<:?8 D>@<