String of Harrisburg fires calls for more fire prevention to keep people safe
Fires are becoming more common in central Pennsylvania and CBS 21 took a closer look at prevention and safety on how to lessen fires that are preventable with Harrisburg Fire Chief, Brian Enterline and the American Red Cross.
According to the Harrisburg Fire Department, data shows Pennsylvania has the most deaths by fire with 104 fire fatalities so far this year. However, officials say civilians can practice ways to not add to the statistics.
"I can talk to the news, I can talk to the people. I can show you props of things that have happened, but it doesn't affect the other people the way it affects those who had the fire," said Enterline.
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Simple everyday practices we don't think can start a fire frequently do, according to Enterline. Things like incompatible phone chargers, space heaters, unattended cooking, and extension cords are all examples of ways fires can ignite right in your home.
Electrical fires and space heaters are the leading cause of fires in the Harrisburg area from November through March.
Chief Enterline says he frequently hears people say that a fire could never happen to them and then it does. He said all it takes is just a few simple practices to save a life.
"Smoke detectors. We have a great program here in Harrisburg to install smoke detectors across the city. Hundreds and hundreds a year, but you got to make that phone call," said Enterline.
Most people don't have working fire alarms and smoke detectors in their homes, according to the Harrisburg Fire Department. The American Red Cross's Executive Director, Laura Burke, works to curb that problem.
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"The other piece of it is that the Red Cross will install free smoke alarms in homes," said Burke.
Last year in Central Pennsylvania alone, the American Red Cross responded to 300 fires and assisted more than 1,400 people after a disaster.
If you find yourself affected by a home fire, you can call for assistance at 1-800 Red Cross.
