RUTH — Firefighters were dispatched to a report of a house fire on Kinder Trail Tuesday night. The call came in around 8:30 p.m. 

East Lincoln, Ruth and Heucks Retreat Volunteer Fire Departments responded. Fire units not on scene were shortly canceled due to the fire being out. Donnie “Speedy” Hedgepeth with the East Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department gave a report of what happened. 

“It was just a plugin shorted out from a space heater,” Hedgepeth said. “Only damage was to the plug. It tripped the breaker luckily.”

The close call is an example of the importance of fire safety while heating a home in the cold weather. The Mississippi Insurance Department reminds homeowners and residents to be careful. 

Drapes, clothes and anything combustible should be kept at a minimum three feet away from heat sources especially space heaters. Never leave space heaters on when you leave home. 

Never plug space heaters into extension cords and be sure to plug them into an outlet. All heating equipment should be UL® approved. 

The Mississippi Insurance Department advises homeowners to inspect power cords for any signs of damage, fraying or heat. Never use a stove or oven to heat a home. Be sure smoke alarms are working and are in every room in a home. 

Another fire safety tip is to make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out and where to meet outside such as a mailbox. Additionally, once everyone is outside, call 911 and do not go back into a burning building under any circumstances.