(SANILAC COUNTY) – The Sandusky fire department was dispatched to a home in the city limits, after the caller reported the home to be filling up with smoke.
Sanilac Central Dispatch received the call around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and dispatched Carsonville and Elk Township fire departments as automatic mutual aid to Sandusky.
Light smoke could be seen coming from the home on Mills Street prior to firefighters arriving on scene.
A woman in the home and who was the apparent caller, had evacuated the home, standing on the porch when first fire units arrived.
Several firefighters entered the home with self-contained breathing units on and discovered the home was not on fire, rather they found food that was burning in a microwave in the kitchen.
The house sustained only minor smoke damage and the fire department cleared the scene by 2:45 p.m.
REMINDER: During this holiday season, area fire departments remind everyone to exercise caution when decorating for Christmas.
With the holiday season and colder temperatures are upon us, state and local fire department officials remind area residents that this is a peak season for structure fires.
Unattended candles, space heaters, worn lights, and dry Christmas trees all increase the risk of having a fire this time of year.
Fire officials say it is important to follow basic fire safety tips to help keep friends and family safe and avoid tragedy this holiday season.
Dry Christmas trees are extremely flammable. Authorities say to check the Christmas tree’s water level every day and to keep the Christmas tree away from candles, space heaters and smoking materials.
Families are encouraged to use Christmas lights that are in good condition, without worn or tattered cords.
It is recommended to keep a cleared space of three feet around your space heater to avoid any object that can burn, including people and to never use a space heater near the Christmas tree.
Everyone is encouraged to have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and one on every level of the home.
It’s also recommended that families have a prepared and practiced fire escape plan with two ways out.
