With the weather turning colder you're probably turning your heat on or up and maybe even starting a fire. With that comes an increased risk of house fires.
Scottsbluff fire chief Dana Miller says there are extra precautions people should take to ensure they don't accidentally start their home on fire.
"People that have fireplaces- whether it be free standing or permanent structures inside their house need to make sure they've done proper maintenance on all their chimneys or flues are in good operating condition. And all nice and clear, and they don't have any leaves or bird nests or anything that might have accumulated during the spring and summer."
Chief Miller also says space heaters pose several risks. He says space heaters should never be plugged into extension cords. The cords easily overheat and can ignite nearby objects.
And he says to make sure space heaters designed for outdoor use *stay* outdoors ... Carbon monoxide can build up quickly when being used indoors.
