An overwhelming number of brush, grass and forest fires (between 87 and 96 percent) are caused by people, according to statistics collected by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the National Fire Incident Reporting System.  While about 20% of all such fires are intentionally set, most human-caused fires are accidental and related to careless disposal of hot embers, ash or cigarettes.

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives, but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out safely.

Durango Fire & Rescue does not service fire extinguishers but does accept old fire extinguishers.

Fireworks present a serious risk of causing accidental fires, injuring people, or even causing death. Visit the Fireworks Information web page for more details.

Carbon monoxide is lighter than air. It also rises with warm air, so the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends placing a carbon monoxide detector on a wall about five feet above the floor or about eye level.

• Outside of each bedroom or sleeping area.
• Inside an attached garage. At least 10 feet from the garage door leading to your home. If you have a room above the garage, you should also place one there.
• On every floor, including the basement.
• At least 15 feet away from gas-burning appliances, like fireplaces or stoves. (These items already put off trace amounts of CO and could cause a false alarm.)
• You can put them on the ceiling as well.

If you are only getting one carbon monoxide alarm, make sure it’s near a sleeping area and loud enough to wake everyone in the house.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, and in the following locations:

• Inside each bedroom.
• Outside each sleeping area.
• At both ends of hallways, if longer than 40 feet.
• At the top of stairways. If you have a stairway going down to a basement, place one at the bottom of the basement stairway.
• Living areas.