JACKSON — Mississippi officials are reporting a rise in fire-related deaths amid ongoing winter weather, with authorities urging residents to use extreme caution when heating their homes.
The Mississippi Office of the State Fire Marshal said eight fire deaths have been reported statewide since Monday. Of those, three have been confirmed as heating-related, while five additional deaths remain under investigation.
Officials said icy and impassable road conditions have slowed responses to some fire scenes, and in certain areas fire departments have been unable to respond at all due to hazardous travel conditions.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office stressed the importance of safely using heating equipment during extreme cold and ensuring homes are equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Authorities continue to remind residents to avoid unsafe heating methods and to take extra precautions as winter conditions persist across parts of the state.
