Three fires in the past two weeks have resulted in four fatalities across North Dakota, bringing a renewed focus on fire safety in the home.
Fatal fires in North Dakota are not unheard of, but they rarely occur in such rapid succession of each other. While none of the fatal fires happened in Minot, the Minot Fire Department is emphasizing the importance of fire safety in the home.
With the recommendations to stay home as often as possible because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Minot Fire Department officials suggest taking time to test smoke detectors, replace batteries if necessary, and refresh your family’s emergency home exit plan.
“More people being home during the day will increase the chances of a fire occurring in the home,” said Stuart Hammer, a fire inspector with Minot Fire Department. “Going over home exit drills and checking smoke detectors once a month to ensure they are working properly are important steps to keep people safe.”
North Dakota has had a total of six fatalities from fires so far in 2020, surpassing 2019’s total of five fatalities.