**GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — **At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire involving a shed located behind a residence on the 2900 block of Meeker Street.
The reporting party advised dispatchers that smoke was coming from a shed behind the residence. The homeowner also reported that a roommate was living in the shed but was not believed to be home.
Engine 4 arrived on scene alongside a Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputy and found the shed locked, with light smoke visible. Firefighters gained entry, located and extinguished a small fire, and confirmed that the structure was unoccupied. Crews also verified that the fire had not spread to nearby structures or other areas of the property.
No injuries were reported. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.
Fire Safety Reminder
As temperatures drop and families spend more time indoors, the Grand Junction Fire Department reminds residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of home fires. Heating equipment, candles, and cooking activities can all present fire hazards if not used safely.
Residents are encouraged to:
Use space heaters safely. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, bedding, and other combustible materials. Plug them directly into wall outlets, never extension cords or power strips, and turn them off when leaving a room or going to bed.
Maintain home heating equipment. Have furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys, and other heating systems inspected and serviced regularly to ensure safe operation.
Use candles with caution. Keep candles away from combustible materials, children, and pets. Never leave burning candles unattended, and extinguish them before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Share evacuation plans with house guests. Make sure visiting family and friends know how to safely exit your home in an emergency, including identifying two ways out of each room and a designated outdoor meeting place.
Never leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or cooking on the stovetop. Unattended cooking remains a leading cause of home fires.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Ensure alarms are installed in appropriate locations, working properly, and tested regularly.
A few simple precautions can help prevent fires and keep your family, friends, and guests safe throughout the colder months.
For more information, contact the Grand Junction Fire Department Community Outreach Office at (970) 549-5800 or [email protected].