Avoidable fires are breaking out all over Long Island as residents take action against the cold.
In Mastic Beach, resident Debbie Heusser says her husband started a fire by using a propane torch to unfreeze the oil line from the outdoor tank. Nobody was injured, but Suffolk Fire Commissioner Joe Williams says people would be a lot safer if they'd use common sense. Williams says another method to which some residents have turned, using a gas stove for heat, can be deadly because of the carbon monoxide it releases into the air.
According to Williams, space heaters are also a growing problem. He recommends double-checking the safety of the wiring, and keeping the heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items.
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