APACHE COUNTY, Ariz. — The assistant fire chief of a small community in southern Apache County is warning local residents to be vigilant about a "very abnormal" amount of fires reported in recent weeks.
The Vernon Fire District typically responds to about 12 fires in a full year to the community located north of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. But the agency said it has already reported up to eight fire-related incidents just in the last few weeks.
Assistant Fire Chief Nick Perrone recently said during a community meeting that at least three of the recent fires appear to be instances of arson.
"There is potential this will escalate," Perrone told the residents. "We don't get on this now and be vigilant to what's going on in our communities...it's gonna get worse."
The burned structures were all unoccupied at the time of the events, fire officials said.
The fire district's investigation into this rash of fires is still in its "infancy," Perrone added, but Vernon residents are encouraged to be on alert for suspicious individuals lurking around their communities.
Furthermore, the fire district is asking locals to put pressure on law enforcement about addressing the issue.
A spokesperson for the Apache County Sheriff's Office said the Vernon fires are being "actively investigated" but had no information about possible suspects to release at this time.
More information about the recent fires can be found here.
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Home Fire Prevention:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.
“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”
First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.
Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.
Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.
“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”
The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.