There were over 40 people who lost their lives due to fires in Iowa in 2017.

Four of which happened on Christmas Eve in Blue Grass. Washington County Emergency Management Director Marissa Reisen is reminding people to have working carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, and to check them regularly, “Make sure you test your batteries like you should, at least twice a year when we switch our clocks back is the standard, but it doesn’t hurt, especially during this season when fires are at their worst to check it once a month, check it once a week.” Also, have a plan in place at home with an evacuation path and a specific place outside that your family will meet up.