by bintangkecil on Monday, December 14th, 2009 | Health, News, Science, World

An East Tampa house fire that started in the fireplace has prompted local authorities to remind residents to take proper precautions before using a fireplace during cold snaps.

(cold snap: a period of intensely cold and dry weather.)

This afternoon’s fire was at 2904 N. 56th St., at the home of Lewis and Mildred Watson. Lewis Watson had a “big and hot” fire going in the fireplace when he noticed smoke coming from the attic.

Tampa Fire Rescue officials said heat and flames from the fireplace flue got into the attic and started the fire. More than 20 firemen responded from four different fire stations. Damage was estimated at $25,000.

Such fires tend to be more common during cold weather like the Bay area is now experiencing because more people use their fireplaces.

Local fire departments offer the following safety tips:

* Fireplaces need occasional maintenance to assure the flues are clean and intact; use a certified chimney sweep.

* Never leave a fireplace burning unattended; extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

* Always use a spark arrestor/metal-mesh screen in front of a fireplace.

* Do not burn paper or other trash in a fireplace.

* Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

FIRE on ICE is a revolutionary fireplace accessory product invented by Mark Georgantas, South Coast Entrepreneur of the Year 2000.

Quoted from their website:
FIRE on ICE ® specially formulated tempered glass is exceedingly CLEAN, environmentally SAFE, and never needs replacing.

Tags: fire and ice, fire and ice fireplace, fire and ice fireplaces, fire and ice grill, fire department, fire on ice, fire on ice fireplace, fireplaces safety tips, fires, mark georgantas, safety tips fireplace, tampa fire, tampa fireplace fire, tampa fires, winter fires