Local resident learns a lesson in fire safety
ALPENA, Mich. — A local resident learned on Saturday that a closed bedroom door could have saved her life had she been home.
Alpena resident Kelli McConnell left her house for a quick trip to Walmart. McConnell said she was gone for approximately a half hour and when she returned, fire trucks were in front of her house putting out a fire. She said she is a careful smoker but thinks this fire started from a cigarette.
Risk Reduction Officer Andy Marceau confirmed the fire started from a cigarette. Marceau added that if McConnell would have been home and in her bedroom, her closed door would have saved her. Smoke and fire only damaged the outside of her bedroom door.
Marceau said even the most careful smokers have accidents but adds that it is very important to properly extinguish your cigarette butts by putting them out with water and in a can.
