The state fire marshal’s office is asking Mainers to be careful with how they unthaw frozen pipes, after a home was destroyed in a fire in the town of Norway.
Norway Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Everrett Drive on Jan. 27, just before 4 p.m., according to Shannon Moss of the Maine Department of Public Safety.
“Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions,” Moss said. “Fire Marshal Investigators determined that frozen pipes in the home were being thawed using a combination of heaters and electrical heat tape, which inadvertently caused the fire.”
The homeowners had just returned when the fire started, but no injuries were reported, according to Moss.
On Wednesday, the fire marshal’s office sent a reminder to never use open flames, including torches or heat guns, to thaw pipes.
Portable heaters should never be unattended and should be kept at least three feet away from combustible materials.
Only use electrical heat tape according to the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect it regularly for damage.
Contact a licensed plumber if you are unsure how to safely thaw frozen pipes.