Fire Safety Tips During Holiday and Winter Months

Friendship Fire Chief James Musselman said one of the most common causes of fire incidents during the colder winter months are chimney or flu fires.

"This is due to people not maintaining or cleaning them regularly," he said. "If you use a fireplace, make sure to clean the chimney regularly and have it inspected."

Another common cause is overloaded electrical circuits and power strips.

"Space heaters especially are not made for power strips, and should always be plugged directly into the wall outlet," Musselman said.

Live trees can also be a fire hazard if not watered properly.

"When they are...