cold weather means house fire danger

Seven Seacoast fires were reported in the week and a half leading up to Thanksgiving. On Thursday, Nov. 20, the first fire of the day destroyed a two-story home in Lee, and the second took out a Rye residence later that afternoon. The following Saturday, improper disposal of wood ashes caused a brush fire in Rochester, and on Sunday, Nov. 23, fire consumed a Dover home after its occupant died of a medical problem.

The spate of fires may seem unusual to area residents, but it comes as no surprise to local fire departments.

“In the winter, we expect to see more house fires because of heating systems,” says Eric Hagman, Dover’s deputy chief of fire prevention and operations. This year, the Dover Fire Department anticipates the number of house fires will escalate even beyond seasonal standards.

When the economy applies pressure, “people start cutting corners,” says Hagman, citing a spike in fires that occurred during the economic decline of the late 1980s and early ’90s.

As families struggle to afford home heating fuel this winter, many households are turning to alternative sources of heat such as woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces. Many of the families seeking cheaper heating options are hesitant to spend money on the additional safety precautions that such systems demand. 

For example, in order to safely use a fireplace, the chimney must be cleaned every year, which costs around $200 to $250. Hagman worries that when wallets are pinched, chimney cleaning and other safety measures might be neglected.

Rochester fire marshal Mark Dupuis is also concerned about the proper installation of fuel-burning appliances. He recognizes the temptation of the do-it-yourself approach but warns residents not to assume that any heating system is safe unless an experienced professional installs and inspects it.

Hagman says it is ultimately up to individuals to decide how many fires the community will witness this season. “Home is your castle,” he says, “and you have the choice to be safe in it or not.”

it’s Buy Local First Week

The week after Thanksgiving is a frantic time for holiday shoppers. As consumers scramble for good deals in these troubled economic times, Portsmouth Mayor Tom Ferrini is reminding residents to think local first.

Ferrini recently declared the week of Dec. 1 to 7 as Buy Local First Week in Portsmouth. Part of Seacoast Local’s Think Local First campaign, the initiative encourages people to shop at local, independently owned businesses during the holiday retail rush.

“Local businesses provide essential employment opportunities for citizens of the Seacoast region and contribute to the character and unique appeal of our community,” reads a section of the mayoral proclamation. “The City of Portsmouth recognizes the important role that local businesses have in our economy and (is) strongly committed to growing our local business base.”

Advocates of Buy Local First Week say spending money at local businesses instead of national chains improves the local economy and supports community neighborhoods. Seacoast Local is a non-profit network that promotes community involvement in southern Maine and New Hampshire.

“Every dollar spent at a locally owned business recirculates in our community six times more than with non-local companies,” said Kathleen Tutone, owner of Treehouse Toys, in a press release. “Not only do local businesses provide more for us in terms of unique experiences and personal relationships, but strong local businesses create a healthier, more stable local economy.”

Seacoast Local has also launched its (H)EAT Campaign, working to raise $50,000 to help needy people on the Seacoast afford home heating oil and food this winter. Participating businesses will advertise the campaign in their windows; collect donations in cans; sell T-shirts, buttons, ornaments and stickers; and join in area events for the cause. Funds raised will be distributed directly to needy families identified by Rockingham and York Community Action organizations.

For more information, visit www.seacoastlocal.org or call 603-766-1775. Donate to the (H)EAT campaign at www.heat-eat.org.