Georgia death toll from fire reaches 114 so far in 2017

ATLANTA — Statewide fire fatalities have reached 114 this year after two people died in an early Christmas morning blaze in Warrenton, fire officials said Tuesday.

Officials with the state Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner said the 5 a.m. house fire in Warrenton killed Robert Franklin, 78, and his grandson, Bob Frails, 17. Injured by the blaze and transported to the Augusta Burn Center were Franklin’s wife, Toni Franklin, 75, and his grandson, Tyrese Franklin, 14, officials said.

“The exact cause of this deadly and destructive blaze is unknown at this time,” Deputy Insurance and Fire Commissioner Jay Florence said Tuesday. “Fire investigators with our office believe a space heater or kerosene heater may have started the fire.”

Space heaters and kerosene heaters are often the sources of house fires. Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Ralph Hudgens issued a warning in early November, noting that fires and fire deaths increase in the colder months, especially from careless use of space heaters.

Hudgens’ office has reminded Georgians to take safety precautions, including:

— Keeping portable space heaters away from curtains, draperies and other flammable materials;

— Making sure heaters have adequate ventilation and always following the manufacturer’s operating instructions;

— Having the home heating unit checked annually to ensure it is working efficiently and safely;

— Making sure all fuel‐burning appliances and fireplaces are properly vented;

— Leaving immediately and calling the gas company from elsewhere when a gas leak is suspected;

— Making sure any kerosene space heater being used has an automatic shut‐off in case it tips over;

— Using only K 1 kerosene in a space heater (gasoline can cause an explosion);

— Waiting until the heater has cooled and taking it outside before refueling;

— Installing an adequate number of smoke alarms;

— Planning and rehearsing a family escape plan in the event of a fire;

— Ensuring that all rooms, especially bedrooms, have two escape routes;

— Having a predetermined meeting location outside the home where it can be determined whether everyone is out safely if there is a fire.

One of the most important safety steps, officials say, is to have working smoke alarms with regularly replaced batteries. As was the case with the Warrenton fire, Hudgens’ office notes that most fatal fires start between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., while the family usually is asleep. The warning from a smoke alarm can help occupants get out before they are overcome by smoke and fumes. Nine out of 10 fire victims are already dead before the fire department is even called, mainly from smoke and toxic gases, officials said.