(Okoboji)– Area fire chiefs are reminding residents the holiday season is a peak time of the year for house fires. Jim Hentges, Assistant Chief of the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire Department, says that’s because of some unique dangers associated with this time of year. One of those, he says, is holiday decorations.
Hentges says you should never connect more than three strings of lights together. And any lights with frayed cords or exposed wires should be discarded. And if you’re burning candles, Hentges says you should be sure to extinguish them before leaving or going to bed.
If you’re using the fire place, make sure your chimney and flues are clean and that the dampers are working properly.
And if you’re using a space heater, Hentges says you should keep it away from anything flammable, and turn it off when you’re not in the room.
