Pontiac Officials Urge Fire Safety and Prevention to the Community

PONTIAC, MI (February 10, 2025)— Pontiac Code Enforcement and the Waterford Regional Fire Department (WRFD) are encouraging Pontiac residents to practice fire prevention with household appliances and electronics amid the frigid temperatures this winter. Both organizations participated in an informational video published on the city’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

“Public safety is the most fundamental responsibility of government at any level, and we take the health and safety of our residents very seriously," said Mayor Tim Greimel. "We want all citizens to know how important it is to use space heaters appropriately and carefully. Failure to do so can result in injury and even death. The City is grateful for the help from the Waterford Regional Fire Department in promoting fire prevention in our community."

In Metro Detroit, space heaters, extension cords, and other appliances are commonly used to ward off bitterly cold weather conditions. Sadly, misuse of these items can be dangerous or deadly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that electric heaters or space heaters are involved in an average of 1,600 fires per year, resulting in an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually from 2019 to 2021.

Pontiac Code Enforcement Manager Jack McIntyre, Lieutenant Michael Moshier (WRFD), and Lieutenant Chester Felts (WRFD) outlined several tips to help the residents stay safe:

• Place space heaters on a hard surface and away from other items.
• Never leave a space heater running when you’ve left the house or gone to bed.
• Always maintain a 3-foot parameter around the heater.
• Never bend extension cords—this creates heat.
• Ensure you have a working smoke detector in every bedroom and an additional detector on every floor of the home.

“The Waterford Regional Fire Department is proud to serve our community here in Pontiac and we want our residents to be comfortable and especially safe when they are heating their homes,” said Captain Christopher Webster of the Waterford Regional Fire Department. “We have trucks staffed 24/7 to respond to any emergency at any time. We strive to make a difference in our community by being there when we are needed, and by being proactive in our Fire Prevention and Fire Education.”

To help residents stay safe, the City of Pontiac is offering free carbon monoxide detectors to Pontiac residents through its Carbon Monoxide Safety Program while supplies and funding last. Those who are interested can apply on the city’s website: https://tinyurl.com/PontiacGrants

Applications are also available at Pontiac City Hall located at 47450 Woodward Avenue, in the Grants and Philanthropy office on the lower level.