NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Central Arkansas officials have been responding to a number of fire incidents recently and many Arkansans have been left puzzled as they wonder why it's happening.
North Little Rock Assistant Fire Marshal Gary Williams said there are a number of factors that have played into the many fire incidents across the state — one being the change in temperature.
"We're in a burn ban, the wind picks up," Captain Williams said. "Wind driven fire gets into your neighbor's yard, gets into the woods, the thickets, then we've got another issue."
On Thursday morning, a fire broke out at Living Water Baptist Church in Little Rock. According to Little Rock fire officials, they were able to confirm that they found fire inside the walls and underneath the building.
When we spoke to Rev. Kenneth Finney after crews put out the fire, he told THV11 that the news left him speechless and he suggested that the fire could have began from the left side door of the church.
Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated issue though. On Wednesday, North Little Rock Fire Officials responded to a fire that destroyed a home and damaged another.
Here's a look at a post from the NLRFD's Facebook, which showcases the extent of the fire and its damage.
Less than 24 hours later, there was nothing left to salvage. NLRFD officials said they are working to determine the cause of the fire.
"They're not sure exactly but they could understand it could possibly be trespasser's, or squatters. Being cool, was probably looking to get in at the weather, and not sure if it had a fire warmer and fire inside or what but like anything could get out of control," Captain Williams said. "Obviously, something did get out of control and led to this, which this time of season, could very well be the cause."
In addition to the change of weather, Cpt. Williams also said burn bans could also make matters worse. That's why Williams and other officials are urging everyone to pay attention and avoid causing damage to themselves and others.
"By all means, have those heating units checked. Have your blowers checked, have your ductwork checked. Anything could go wrong that could lead to fire," he said
Here's a look at some additional tips you can learn to help prevent fires:
- Keep at least a three-foot clearance around space heaters
- Do not place clothes and other personal items around heaters in the home or building
- Do not overload your power strips
- Check your smoke detectors/alarms
- Watch your stove and other heated utilities while cooking
Williams added that it's all about being a good neighbor. You can do your part to ensure fires don't start by educating yourself and the people around you.
"When you reach one, teach one," Williams said. "Just help out where you can, just be a help, be an asset in your community, help your neighbor out, if possible and just do anything that can help treat them the way you would want your grandma or grandpa to be treated."