MURFREESBORO, TN - As winter temperatures drop, local fire departments are experiencing a rise in fire-related calls, prompting the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department (MFRD) to issue a public safety warning regarding the hazards of home heating equipment. With many homeowners and renters relying on small space heaters to maintain warmth, the risk of fire incidents also increases, posing potentially disastrous outcomes.
MFRD advises citizens to be vigilant about the dangers associated with portable heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces. "It's crucial to keep space heaters at least three feet away from combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture, and bedding," said a department spokesperson. "Additionally, electric space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet instead of extension cords or power strips to prevent overload and fire hazards. Leaving heaters on while sleeping is also highly discouraged."
On Thursday, MFRD crews responded to a residential fire call on Alexander Boulevard. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an active fire in the master bedroom. Preliminary investigations suggest that a space heater plugged into a surge protector may have sparked, igniting nearby curtains. Thankfully, two residents were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
In a separate incident that same night, MFRD responded to a fire at the Ramada Inn located at 1855 S. Church St. Fire crews found an electrical outlet burning in a breezeway, which was quickly extinguished. While smoke was cleared from the hallways, guests were advised to shelter in place, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Earlier in the week, another fire incident occurred on New Year’s Day in the Cason Lane area. Reports indicated that fireworks might have sparked a small blaze. Investigations revealed that the fire likely originated from improperly disposed fireworks in a trash bag. The fireworks, believed to be still smoldering when thrown away, ignited the bag in a garage on Skipton Drive at approximately 6:30 PM. Fortunately, the fire caused only minor damage, and no injuries were recorded.
As the cold season continues, MFRD emphasizes the importance of fire safety and encourages residents to remain aware of the risks associated with home heating equipment to ensure a safe winter for all.
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