Cold weather, recent house fires prompt calls for fire safety [Video]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — One Sacramento fire engine can dump nearly 500 gallons of water onto a house within minutes. The second dispatchers hear of a possible house fire, four of the engines, two fire trucks, two chiefs and an ambulance are routed to the scene.

They’re always ready, but many firefighters would prefer to be in the warmth of the firehouse instead of responding to calls. However, the cool weather outside could mean more work.

“We see an uptick in calls for service due to HVAC systems… heaters getting kicked on. These heaters have been sitting dormant all summer, so once they do get kicked on, they have a little bit of dust on them, and it causes some type of burning scent,” said Sacramento Fire Captain and Public Information Officer Justin Sylvia.

Odd smells are …