COLD WEATHER FIRE SAFETY

  

The first truly cold weather for Brenham and Washington County this week has City Fire Marshal Alan Finke concerned.

He says many people are taking their space heaters out for the first time in months and that many have forgotten how to use them safely.

Finke is also concerned about people using their ovens and the burners on their stoves as heating devices.  He says if you use your oven to warm your house, to close the door.  The Fire Marshal says a hot, open oven door and cause cabinets and other combustible items to catch fire even if they are several feet away from the oven..

Finke says if you are going to use your fireplace you need to make sure your chimney is clean and the flue is open, so your house does not fill up with smoke, and even spread a fire.