WASHINGTON — A house fire sparked by a curling iron left on a bed has left eight people and a dog displaced. But everyone was able to escape the home on Paul Drive in Rockville, Maryland thanks in part to a working smoke alarm.

The unfortunate event is a reminder that this is the season to think about fire safety. Pete Prininger of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue offers these fire safety tips:

• Working smoke alarms should be placed throughout the house and in all sleeping areas.
• Before firing up any firewood in the fireplace, keep it three feet away from other items.
• Replace space heaters that are over 10 years old.
• Have a home escape plan and practice it.

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