With the onset of really cold weather, frozen water pipes are inevitable. Unfortunately, along with this problem, the fire department responds to an increase of structure fires caused by residents trying to quick-fix the problem themselves.

Instead of using space heaters, torches, or other hot flame devices to thaw pipes, call a professional plumber to get the water flowing again. In the long run, it’s much cheaper and effective than burning the house down around those frozen pipes.

This has been another fire safety tip from your South Lake Tahoe Fire Department.

— Sallie Ross-Filgo, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department