Worland Fire stresses winter prevention

WORLAND – As colder temperatures blanket the Big Horn Basin, Worland Fire District Chief Chris Kocher would like residents to think about preparations and safety for winter.

“We’ve seen a lot of chimney fires [in the past] but with new technology and more people using pellet stoves, we need to stress carbon monoxide monitoring,” said Kocher.

While the county offers a smoke detector program free of charge, Kocher recommends everyone purchase and maintain a carbon monoxide detector for their home, and do an annual check on their smoke detectors as well.

For standard fireplace use, Kocher recommends servicing and inspecting chimneys, and the same for woodstove and pellet heat and smoke removal systems.

For propane users, Kocher recommends line inspections and making sure outside regulators are covered with a shield to prevent snow damage.

“Snow and ice can fall off the building and damage propane mechanisms, like what we saw with the Ten Sleep Fire Hall fire,” said Kocher.

Ruled accidental by insurance and fire inspectors, the fire, fed by a propane line puncture on Jan. 31, 2015, destroyed the Ten Sleep Fire Hall.

Toward Christmas, Kocher recommends inspecting trees brought into the home, especially if they are brittle at purchase.

“Keeping your Christmas tree well-watered and away from heat sources is the best thing you can do,” said Kocher.