Rising temperatures boost fire risks in Chattanooga following recent uptick
Increasing Spring and Summer Temperatures Elevate Fire Risks
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the arrival of spring and summer often indicates the beginning of outdoor activities. But with these luxuriously warm temperatures comes an inevitable threat: dangerous fires. There was a startling average of nearly 5,000 daily incidences of fires last spring and summer, according to data from the U.S. Fire Administration. Recent upticks in home fires in Chattanooga, such as a kitchen fire in Soddy-Daisy and a 3-alarm fire at an assisted living home on Signal Mountain, accentuate this growing concern.
Homeowners Urged to Be Aware After Recent Fires
The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management has reported substantial damage to a house as a result of a fire in Soddy-Daisy, arresting the attention of homeowners to the possible dangers lurking in their vicinity. The damage inflicted by the fire is still unknown, but estimations amount to severe financial loss of around $100,000.
“Because people are inside more, they might be cooking more or being careless with the grill and that kind of thing,” warned Chief Hyman of the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Essential Guidelines to Mitigate Fire Risks
The U.S. Fire Administration suggests a set of safety measures. It strongly recommends maintaining a 3-foot safe zone around grills, fire pits, and campfires, advises using long-handled barbecue tools, and insists on wearing short sleeves while grilling. “Every year about 11,000 people are affected by fires caused by grilling,” says Julia Wright with Red Cross. According to Networx, grill-related home fires occur 5,700 times each year, causing an impressive $37 million in damage, 100 injuries, and 10 deaths.
Increased Air Conditioning Fires as Heat Rises
On the other hand, with the surge in temperatures, the likelihood for air conditioning fires also increases. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates there are 2,300 residential air conditioner fires each year, which result in a whopping $23.8 million in damage.
Conclusively, it’s evident that with rising temperatures, fire risks also ascend, imposing serious financial and, more importantly, life-threatening hazards. Chattanooga residents are thus urged to practice safety guidelines to mitigate such risks in the face of increasing spring and summer temperatures.
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