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A new state law now requires all landlords who rent apartment units with heating systems or appliances powered by a fossil fuel to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in their rental property.  Units with fireplaces or an attached garage must also be in compliance with the new carbon monoxide statute. Fire Prevention Specialist with the Boone Fire Department Matthew Crawford said Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas and can kill you before you even know it's there. Crawford is urging all High Country residents to install both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

A home in the Triplett community was destroyed by fire Friday afternoon. The tenant, whose name was not released, was in the residence when he smelled smoke at approximately 3:15 p.m., according to Stewart Simmons Volunteer Fire Department chief Doug Berry. He told fire officials the fire started around the chimney in the home on Elk Creek Road. The home was open, wood-frame construction which allowed the fire to spread quickly. Flames were visible through the roof in two sections when firefighters arrived on scene. Berry said the cold temperatures were a challenge and by the time it was over they had about an inch of ice on all the air packs and trucks. The firefighters used a portable pump in a nearby creek to supply water and Berry said they had to keep the water constantly moving to prevent freezing in the hoses. Wilkes County provided assistance. Watauga Rescue also responded, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.

When we think of winter, we often think of holiday parties, festive decorations, and glowing fireplaces.  Well, what you may not realize is that December, January and February are the leading months for home fires and home fire deaths in the U.S. On average, more than one-third of U.S. home fire deaths occur during the winter months. Statistics show that heating equipment fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes, but during the winter, they are the number-one culprit.  These fires are most commonly caused by inadequate chimney cleaning; placing things too close to space and portable heaters; fueling errors involving liquid- or gas-fueled heaters; and flaws in the design, installation or use of heating equipment. The good news is that most of these fires are preventable.  It's simply a matter of being aware that these hazards exist, and taking the few steps necessary to avoid them. Make sure all your home heating systems and chimneys are inspected annually and cleaned, if necessary, before the start of each heating season.  If you use space or portable heaters, keep anything that can burn, including people, pets and furniture, at least three feet away.  When leaving the room or going to sleep make sure to turn the heaters off. For more information on home safety, contact your local Fire Department.

After investigating last week's house fire on Slabtown Road in Zionville, authorities believe an unsupervised space heater was the culprit. David Hancock with the Watauga County Fire Marshall's Office said the homeowner was out of town and had left a small space heater in his bathroom blowing on his pipes to keep them from freezing.  Hancock said a wastebasket was also in the general area and the heat from the heater is believed to have caught debris in the wastebasket on fire. Hancock explained the heater was positioned a good distance from the wastebasket, but not quite the recommended three feet. When asked what the homeowner should've done differently to prevent his pipes from freezing, Hancock said setting a thermostat at your home is the best option.  Hancock explained heat tape for pipes is also a good insulation option. The fire caused an estimated $20,000 - $30,000 in damages to the home.