Air Conditioners Citied in 2 North Carolina Blazes, 1 Fatal

Aug. 18, 2007
Two fires in Lincoln County have been blamed on the plug-in units, including one that killed a 10-month-old baby.

LINCOLN CO., N.C. --

Local firefighters are warning people about window air-conditioning units.

Two fires in Lincoln County in the past week have been blamed on the plug-in units, including one that killed a 10-month-old baby.

Fire investigators said it's often a combination of extreme heat, old wiring and old air conditioners.

"We understand everybody's just trying to stay cool. Just be smart about it, and try to get someone in there like a license electrician," said Lincoln County Deputy Fire Marshal Deborah Horne.

You're encouraged not to overload your outlets, don't use extension cords, and don't run air conditioners non-stop.

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