Clay Fire Department addresses two preventable fires this month

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - Two fires this month have altered the fully red blub wreath in Clay Fire Department's "Keep the Wreath Red" campaign. 

The "Keep the Wreath Red" Initiative endeavored to raise fire awareness safety during the holiday season. 

During November 23 to New Year's Day, January 1, 2024, each time there's a preventable fire, a red bulb on the wreath will be changed to white. 

Following two garage fires in December, two bulbs have been changed. 

The first garage fire, on December 5 within the 15400 block of Douglas Road in Mishawaka, was due to multiple safety issues in a garage behind a residence. No one was home at the time. 

The second incident, occurring on December 20 at the 50800 block of Summit Ridge Trail, was also a garage fire that was quickly extinguished by the Clay Fire Territory crew. No one in the residence, including the family's three dogs, were injured. 

According to the Clay Fire Department, both of these fires were preventable. 

Community Risk Reduction Division of Clay Fire and the U.S. Fire Administration reminds that, "The 2021 national estimates for residential building smoking fires and losses show that there were 7,800 fires, 275 deaths, 750 injuries and $361,500,000 in dollar loss," and encourages all residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.