The American Red Cross is highlighting a string of house fires in Vermont and New Hampshire this week to warn people to be extra careful as they prepare for the holidays.
Red Cross volunteers responded Monday to fires in Concord, Manchester and Proctor, Vermont. The fires displaced 25 people from eight families. Two more fires Tuesday night — in Rochester, N.H. and White River Junction, Vermont — displaced an additional four people.
Noting that most home fires start in the kitchen and heating sources, the Red Cross is encouraging people to check their smoke alarms and practice fire drills. Every family should develop a fire escape plan and practice it several times a year.
In New Hampshire and Vermont, a family is displaced by a disaster every 17 hours.
