Cold Weather Stokes Tragic Flames

By KSEE News

December 20, 2012 Updated Dec 20, 2012 at 1:08 AM PDT

The coldest temperatures can create the hottest fires. All too often people use unsafe methods to stay warm.

Fresno firefighters say they get a lot of calls during cold spells. Furnaces go un-maintained for months and then are suddenly called into action.

Dormant chimneys are un-swept, and the hazards of space heaters are easily forgotten.

Living in a warm climate, it's easy to lose sight of dangers lingering in the cold. Fresno firefighters say there's another, non-seasonal factor that keeps them busy.

A down economy forces people to cut corners. When short on money, safety measures often go by the wayside, especially when wallets are already thinned by giving spirits.

Cold weather and the holiday season are practically synonymous. When precautions are not taken, winter consequences are especially traumatic.

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