TUCSON, Ariz. -- The steps to preventing a tragedy are surprisingly simple, as long as you know what steps to take.
Lowe's Home Improvement stores throughout the state are hosting free fire safety workshops, to help keep your home safe from a fire.
The reality is far from pretty. Truth is a flame can spark in the right conditions and right now.
As it stands, an inferno is burning to the west in neighboring California.
The Saddleridge and Sandalwood fires have already claimed the lives of at least two people and have collectively burned over 7,500 acres.
This is a tragedy that serves as a stark reminder to be prepared when disaster strikes.
In fact, locals gathered at several Lowe's Home Improvement stores throughout Arizona to hammer-in fire safety and ways to protect themselves, all while having fun.
Families were able to learn how to properly install fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors inside their homes. Kids were also given the opportunity to learn, while building fire trucks.
Lowe’s Electrical Associate Samuel Kleine told KGUN9 being informed is the first step to being prepared.
“Here in South Arizona, Autumn is our dry season so it's incredibly important to have a fire extinguisher because now you no longer have to worry about stuff breaking out in your house. Now you have to worry about things outdoors and people are just totally unprepared for things of that nature.”
So what can you do to prevent house fires?
“Clear out brush. That’s a fire waiting to happen. You should check the outdoor electrical conduit. [Always have] a fire extinguisher on hand, at least one for every story of your house. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and there’s nothing to really fear if you prepare yourself properly,” Kleine added.
New Arizona code suggests you have a smoke detector in and outside of every bedroom, except the garage and kitchen.
Also it is important that you swap out those batteries every six months.
