Douglas fire authorities are asking manufactured home owners to be careful with fires, especially now that the hot weather is approaching.

"Make sure to keep your yard clean of weeds, especially those closest to the house," said Fire Chief Mario Novoa of the Douglas Fire Department.

He also urged residents to properly store combustible materials.

On April 30 four people died in Wilcox when their mobile home burned. A 37-year-old man had tried to get back into the home in an attempt to rescue the family trapped inside. The smoke was too thick, however, for him to get back inside.

"Make sure that you have a smoke detector inside the home and always make an escape plan," Novoa said. "What happened in Wilcox is a major tragedy and our hearts go out to the family."

Novoa said families should have a fire extinguisher in their homes.

"But remember, the fire extinguisher is not to fight fire; it's meant so that you can make a way out of the burning structure," he said.

The American Red Cross also offers a few tips of fire safety.

ˆ If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.

ˆ Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

ˆ Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.

ˆ Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.

ˆ Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.

ˆ Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes

ˆ Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.

ˆ Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.

ˆ Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.

ˆ Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Escape Safely

ˆ Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

ˆ If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.

ˆ If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.

ˆ If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.