Veteran firefighters say they've never seen anything like the rash of fires Duluth has had since the beginning of this year.

Dan Hanger reports, in almost every case human error played a major role making the fires preventable.

"Most of these fires are caused by carelessness by the people that live in the homes," said Asst. Duluth Fire Chief Richard Mattson.

Duluth firefighters have fought nearly 20 structure fires since the beginning of the year and almost all could have been prevented.

Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Richard Mattson says this house caught on fire after someone threw a cigarette into a garbage can.

"That fire may not start immediately, it may smolder in there until you leave the home and then it can burst into flames when you are gone."

Mattson has been on the department for 28 years and says he's never seen this many fires in such a short period of time.

"We have had an arsonist going and starting garages and all across the east hillside, or we've had somebody started the backs of houses on fire in west Duluth... that's not the case in this."

Mattson says there are simple things people can do to protect themselves, home and property.

He says don't throw cigarettes in the garbage...

Don't heat combustible appliances such as in the case of frozen pipes...

And don't forget to have a working battery in your smoke detector.

"That way you will have early warning that there's a fire in your home... and maybe even be able to put it out."

Simple steps that can save lives and your home, but steps that only you can take.

"We can come and put them out if they do start, but it's your responsibility to take care of your home and make sure it's safe from fire."

In Duluth Dan Hanger, The Northland's NewsCenter.

MORE INFORMATION:

According to the Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in America™ Report, fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional home injury and related deaths. Fire safety and survival begin with everyone in your household being prepared. Follow these safety measures from the Home Safety Council to reduce the chance of fire in your home:

Prevent Fires Caused by Cooking:

Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.

Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.

Before cooking, roll up sleeves and use oven mitts. Loose-fitting clothes can touch a hot burner and catch on fire.

Never leave barbecue grills unattended while in use.
Keep grills at least three feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.

Prevent Fires Caused by Heating:

Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.

Keep space heaters at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or stacks of newspaper. Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

* Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Have them cleaned when necessary.

Keep things that can burn away from your fireplace and keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace.

Prevent Fires Caused by Smoking:

Use “fire-safe” cigarettes and smoke outside.

Use large, deep ashtrays on sturdy surfaces like a table.

Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.

Prevent Fires Caused by Candles:

Never leave burning candles unattended. Do not allow children to keep candles or incense in their rooms.
Always use stable, candle holders made of material that won’t catch fire, such as metal, glass, etc.

Blow out candles when adults leave the room.

Prevent Fires Caused by Gasoline and Other Products:

Store gasoline in a garage or shed in a container approved for gasoline storage.
Never bring or use gasoline indoors; and use it as a motor fuel only.

Close the lid on all dangerous products and put them away after using them.

Store them away from the home and in a safe place with a lock.

Don’t plug in too many appliances at once.

-- www.homesafetycouncil.org