Aurora fire officials urge caution when using heating equipment after pair of holiday weekend fires

Aurora fire officials are reminding residents to take care when using heating equipment following a pair of holiday weekend fires.

The Aurora Fire Department responded to the 1500 block of Karen Court at about 7:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving night for a fire in a two-story home that displaced a family.

The next night, on Nov. 28, firefighters responded to a chimney fire in the 200 block of Lawndale Ave.

No one was injured in the two fires.

“This time of year is one of the busiest for house fires, as colder weather sets in and people begin using heating equipment again,” Aurora Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said. “In particular, chimney fires become more common as people light their fireplaces for the first time in months. If you plan to use your fireplace this winter, have it professionally inspected and cleaned, and always make sure the flue is clear before lighting a fire.”

Both fires remain under investigation by AFD fire investigators.