Fires Prompt Safety Reminders About Heating Homes and Thawing Pipes

Fire officials say attempts to thaw pipes with a propane heating device called a Salamander at Post Trailer Park in Apalachin started a fire that destroyed a family’s mobile home.

The blaze was reported at around 1 p.m. February 18 and prompted Fire Chief Mike George to caution people not to use unorthodox methods to thaw frozen pipes.

A man was taken to the hospital for possible smoke inhalation after he reportedly went back into the home.

The Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Another weather-related fire was quickly put out in Chenango Forks.

A chimney fire was reported yesterday afternoon at a home on State Route 79.  There were no injuries and the homeowner was allowed back into his house later in the day.

Residents who use alternate heating devices like wood stoves or fireplaces are reminded to make sure they are properly installed, maintained and cleaned.