Four fires in four days

The Penticton Fire Department is urging everyone to take the proper precautions to stay safe as temperatures drop.

The warning comes after firefighters responded to four house fires in four days.

On Tuesday, a fire destroyed Saddleback Lodge at Apex Mountain Resort.

While investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, they say early signs point to a wood-burning fireplace.

Firefighters also responded to a mobile home fire after the owner attempted to thaw some frozen pipes using a propane heater.

The other two fires were started in kitchens; the fire department says kitchen fires are by far the biggest cause of house fires.

Liz Wilson of the Penticton Fire Department says people need to be extra careful about their electrical systems, heating systems and candles during the winter season.

She says people also need to be cautious with space heaters and should ensure their heaters are at least three feet away from curtains, magazines, furniture or anything else that could catch on fire.

Space heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended, Wilson said, and both should be properly inspected before they are used.