VIDEO: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more home fires take place during the winter season. As we welcome cooler weather to the Lake Area, fire safety should be a top priority. Lake Charles fire officials said people sometimes take extreme measures during colder weather, doing things they wouldn’t normally do to keep warm. Fire Chief Keith Murray has a few tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe. “If you’re using electric heaters make sure you have a 3-foot barrier around it where nothing can burn," Murray said. "If you’re using your fireplace, make sure you have a screen or glass over it to keep the logs from rolling out or embers from going out into the room and have your chimney checked out.”