NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 1998

CARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
ADVOCATES CAUTION DURING
UPCOMING FIRE SEASON

CARY, NC -- With December, January, and February being the leading months for home fires and home fire deaths in the US, the Town of Cary’s Fire Department is encouraging citizens throughout the region to use good indoor fire safety practices as the temperature falls. Most of these deaths are associated with heating equipment, killing hundreds of people in tens of thousands of fires each year. Last year in Cary alone, there were 21 such fires during the period. Fortunately, there were no deaths.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, home heating fires are most commonly caused by inadequate chimney cleaning as well as placing flammable objects too close to space and portable heaters. Fires are also often caused by mistakes made when fueling heaters, and some fires are attributed to actual design and/or installation flaws in home heating equipment.

"The good news is that most of these types of fires are preventable," said Cary Fire Education Specialist Ken Hawley. "Everyone needs to schedule regular maintenance of their heating equipment, including fireplaces, with a qualified professional who can ensure the safety of their home. Also, know your how to properly use your system by reading the manufacturer’s directions, and don’t skip any steps that might be laid out in those directions."

Questions about home fire safety should be directed to your local fire department. Cary residents can call the Cary Fire Department at 469-4056 or visit the Town’s website at <www.townofcary.org>.

###

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Ken Hawley, Fire Educator, 460-4958
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951