Earlier this morning, Hernando County firefighters responded to a devastating house fire on Century Drive in Spring Hill. The blaze, which reportedly started from improperly discarded smoking materials, completely destroyed the home despite the fire crew’s best efforts. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but this tragic event underscores the importance of fire prevention measures at home.
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A to Z Fire Mid-Month Update: Safety Lessons, Fires, and Holiday Closures
AtoZ Fire • December 16, 2024
As we move through December, we wanted to share a few updates about our operations, some recent fire incidents in the Tampa Bay area, and a reminder about fire safety during the holidays.
Recent Tampa Bay Fires: A Reminder of Fire Safety’s Importance
The past week has been a challenging one for local fire crews, with two major fires serving as stark reminders of the dangers we face year-round.
Spring Hill House Fire
Tampa House Fire
Last Friday Morning, a similar fire broke out in the Tampa area on North 58th Street. Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue reported that the home was already 50% consumed by fire upon their arrival. Flames and heavy smoke poured from the home, making it a challenging scene for crews to manage. While more details are forthcoming, this is another sobering reminder of the importance of fire preparedness.
Fire Safety Lessons from These Incidents
The Spring Hill fire reminds us that small actions—like properly extinguishing cigarettes or keeping flammable items away from heat sources—can make all the difference in preventing fires.
How You Can Stay Protected:
- Install and Test Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in detecting fires early. If you haven’t already, take advantage of our 15% off sale on fire safety services to update or install smoke detectors in your home or business.
- Keep Fire Extinguishers Accessible: A properly placed and maintained fire extinguisher can stop a small fire before it spreads. This month, we’re offering reconditioned K-Class fire extinguishers for just $170, including a certification tag.
- Bundle and Save: Ask us about bundling a kitchen hood system inspection with your fire extinguisher service to ensure comprehensive fire protection for your business.
Stay Safe During the Holidays
As we prepare to celebrate the season, we encourage everyone to be vigilant about fire safety. Whether it’s properly discarding smoking materials, monitoring holiday lights, or keeping your fire extinguishers up to date, small precautions can prevent big disasters.
A to Z Fire is here to support you year-round. Let’s work together to make fire safety a priority as we close out 2024 and welcome 2025.
Holiday Fire Hazards: Christmas Tree Fires
The festive season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it also brings heightened fire risks. Did you know?
- Holiday lights and decorations cause 150 home fires annually.
- Christmas tree fires result in double the injuries and five times more fatalities than average holiday home fires.
- 34% of Christmas tree fires occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., often when families are asleep.
- These fires cost approximately $12 million in direct property damage every year.
While safer LED holiday lights have reduced some risks, electrical issues and heat sources placed too close to trees remain the leading causes of Christmas tree fires.
5 Tips to Avoid Christmas Tree Fires
- Choose a fresh tree: Look for green needles that don’t fall off when touched.
- Water your tree daily: A well-hydrated tree is far less likely to catch fire.
- Mind the distance: Ensure the tree is at least three feet away from fireplaces, lamps, heat vents, and candles.
- Avoid electrical overloads: Never string together more than three sets of lights or overload outlets.
- Turn off lights at night: Since 34% of fires happen overnight, always turn off your tree lights and extinguish candles before bed.
Holiday Closure Notice
A quick reminder: A to Z Fire will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd through December 29th, reopening on Monday, December 30th. While we’ll be taking some time to recharge, your safety remains our top priority. If you need fire safety services, schedule them now to take advantage of our 15% off December special on all new sales and services.
Need To Schedule Service Before We Close?
Don’t wait! Book your fire safety inspection or service today to take advantage of our December special. Call us or visit our website to lock in your savings.
Stay safe and happy holidays from all of us at A to Z Fire!
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