Russellville Fire Chief Billy Poole and the Russellville City FD want to remind everyone that during the winter months, residential fires are more prevalent than they are in the spring and summer. This is due in part to an increase in the number of cooking and heating fires. With colder temperatures, many people resort to using fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, and alternative heating methods such as cooking stoves to keep warm.

To ensure a fire safe winter season, be sure furnaces and chimneys are professionally cleaned and smoke alarms are properly maintained and in good working condition.

In 2007 heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,000 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 620 civilian deaths, 1,500 civilian injuries, and $909 million in direct property damage. Also in 2007 heating equipment fires accounted for 16 percent of all reported home fires (second behind cooking) and 22 percent of home fire deaths. Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (32 percent) of the home heating fires and three-fourths (73 percent) of home heating fire deaths in 2007.

Excluding small confined fires, heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, is by far the leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27 percent) and home fire deaths (53 percent).

Also, if you live in the city and need a smoke alarm you can stop by Community Action or Good Samaritan on East 4th Street or the Chief's office and fill out an application. The on-duty crews will come to your home at your request and install one at no charge. These new smoke alarms have lithium batteries that will last for 10 years.