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Icy lakes aren't safe warns local fire department

Recent cold spell not enough to create skating conditions
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Rocks and other debris have been thrown at Langford Lake by onlookers trying to see how thick the ice is. While the ice will support the weight of the rocks

While many have fond memories of skating on frozen ponds and lakes, it's a phenomenon that doesn't occur too often on the West Shore.

Despite the recent cold spell, Langford Fire Rescue is warning residents that ice on area lakes and ponds is not thick enough to support someone's full weight.

"It looks solid, but it's not thick enough," said Assistant Chief Chris Aubrey. "Temperatures are still getting above freezing during the day."

In wake of a recent incident on the mainland where two children fell through the ice, the local department is carefully monitoring water bodies around the City. "The conditions aren't such that we can foresee anyone being able to skate on the ponds and lakes," Aubrey added.

But the cold isn't just causing some potentially dangerous situations outside. Langford Fire Rescue has responded to a number of close calls inside homes as well. Aubrey noted that because the temperature is dropping below freezing, some thermostats and heaters are kicking in automatically. It's causing some problems for residents as devices that may not normally be used, such as baseboard heaters, are turning on and anything that is too close to those devices is in danger of catching fire.

Over the Christmas holiday, the Langford department responded to one call where a toy box was placed too close to a natural gas fireplace that wasn't regularly used. Aubrey said the device kicked in automatically and melted the back of the plastic toy. Thankfully, he added, it was discovered before the problem escalated.

The department also reminds residents who are heading on holidays soon to be aware of this. People tend to set the temperature for their homes lower while they're away, Aubrey said, and this may cause other heat sources to automatically start up. The department recently responded to a call where that has happened and the entire back wall of their home caught fire. Crews had to place supports on it temporarily until the damage could be repaired. That's not something you want to come home to after some time away.

With the cold weather forecast to continue at least into the near future, Aubrey added that outdoor cooking devices, such as barbecues, should be kept outside and a safe distance from doors and windows so carbon monoxide doesn't build up in confined spaces.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com