Local fire departments keeping busy this winter

As temperatures drop this winter, the number of residential fires continues to rise. Extension cords are not designed to handle the amperage from space heaters. Portable heaters also should be placed at least 3 feet from any combustibles, such as curtains, clothing, furniture or paper. It is important to regularly check that smoke detectors are working properly; batteries in most smoke detectors should be replaced every six months, while lithium batteries should be replaced every 10 years in detectors